Romance Books '4' Us

Mid-Book Slump by Janice Seagraves

2026-03-27T05:30:00.001-04:00

I was talking with a person who really enjoys reading, and she said she noticed "how some books have a bla middle."

I told her, "That's called a mid-book slump."

"It's a struggle to get through," she complained. And she went on to say she'd either "stopped reading or nearly stopped reading because of it."

We spoke for some time about this, but I won't bore you with the rest of our conversation.

But I did tell her that when I write the middle, I use it to add something, like if I'm writing a romance (which all my books are), I use the middle to have the first kiss (slow burn), or the first s*x scene (spicy).

Carrying on with that theme:

If its mystery, that could be where the first clue is found.

If it’s science fiction, that could be when the aliens appear.

If it's paranormal, fantasy, or even horror, that could be when the monster appears.

If it's a thriller, it could be when the guns are fired.

If it's a historical fiction, then the first dance at a ball.

The choice, dear writer, is yours.

There is literally no reason a book should have a slump in the middle. You can use the middle for a plot point or a turning point. Or even some sort of "surprise" for the reader.

You want to reward your reader for sticking it out with you, not bore them. And as writers, we really don't want our readers to DNF our books.

Here's my latest published book, and it has no mid-book slump:

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

The night before he’s to be sold in a slave auction, the Arcon, Saber Daystar, is rescued by the human, Mouse, an independent, scrappy thief.
Zinnia Field, a.k.a. Mouse, needs the hunky Arcon’s remarkable night-sight to help her steal information on where her mentor is being held prisoner.
As they race to the rescue, will the sparks that fly between them get in the way of the rescue attempt?

Except:

Saber inspected his meal. “Is it meat or a vegetable?”

“Yes,” the waiter said before walking away.

What does that even mean? Saber poked the shiny, congealed, orange mass with the two-pronged fork. A ripple went through it.

“Huh, looks like they gave you some melted cheese,” Mouse said.

He peered closer at the food on his plate. The thing was covered in roundish bumps which seemed to be quivering. That can’t be normal. “My meal…it’s alive.”

Mouse tucked a strand of his hair under the cap. She relaxed into her seat to sip her tea and stared over the rim at him. “Your imagination is working overtime. Try to enjoy your food.”

Round, yellow eyes opened to stare at him. The congealed substance started to propel itself along like a larva to the edge of the plate.

“What the—?” The section with eyes reared up to glare at him. Saber straightened with a grunt, gesturing to his food. “Does that appear to be my imagination to you?”

When the orange thing twisted to glower at her, she recoiled. “Shit. It’s alive.”

Amazon: Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

B&N: Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Indigo: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles Of Arcon, #9 Book By Janice Seagraves, (Kobo eBook) | Indigo

Smash Words: Alien Rescuers

Bookshop.org: Alien Rescuers a book by Janice Seagraves - Bookshop.org US

Matrix Crystal Christmas by Janice Seagraves

2025-12-27T14:33:00.003-05:00

My only Christmas book, still only .99 cents.

Words to avoid in your writing by Janice Seagraves

2025-11-27T05:30:00.023-05:00

I've posted before about avoiding certain words, as they can make your work sound passive.

Readers don't like passive writing. That sort of writing pushes the reader back a step, and there is less immersion in your story.

And we want our readers to get lost in our books, right?

Here's a new list, but with the caveat that if your sentence doesn't sound right without this word, please leave it in.

Feels, felt: this is a biggie. Nothing pushes the reader back, than telling what it feels like. Drop the feels/felt and use the sensation itself. "The garment had points on the shoulders and felt sharp." Better: "The garment had points on the shoulders and stung her fingertips. She jerked her hand away with a hiss."

Seems: I use this too often myself.

Slightly: something is, or it's not.

Almost: something is, or it's not.

A little: something is, or it is not.

Somewhat: something is, or it's not.

And the one I use too often myself, So.

I hope that helps you in your writing journey.

Please check out my most recent release:

Alien Rescuers

Chronicles of Arcon Book 9

by

Janice Seagraves

Genre/s

Fiction, Action and Adventure, Dark, Romance, Science Fiction

Publish Date

December 24, 2024

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Alien RescuersChronicles of Arcon Book 9

The night before he’s to be sold in a slave auction, the Arcon, Saber Daystar, is rescued by the human, Mouse, an independent scrappy thief.
Zinnia Field, a.k.a. Mouse, needs the hunky Arcon’s remarkable night-sight to help her steal information on where her mentor is being held prisoner.
As they race to the rescue, will the sparks that fly between them get in the way of the rescue attempt?

Reviews Of The Book On BooksShelf

Exciting Sci-Fi Romance with Action & Heart

Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves is a thrilling blend of action, romance, and adventure. Saber, a noble Arcon warrior, and Mouse, a fearless human thief, make an unlikely yet captivating duo. Their chemistry is electric, the world-building immersive, and the action nonstop. Fast-paced, witty, and full of heart—this is a must-read for sci-fi romance fans!

4.9 stars