Fail, fail, fail, fail, succeed

Detour

Sometimes you get an idea for a short story and dive right in. It starts out with a strong opening, but then as you keep writing things take an unexpected left turn.

Now you’re on an unknown street with no directions, but this is cool – you’ve got to figure your way out, and that can be fun…

But after going down a few blind alleys, you realize you’re not sure how to get out of this mess. What you’ve got up to this point is good – really good – so you know there’s an answer somewhere. You’re just not sure what it is.

Step back and let it simmer. It’ll come when it’s ready.