The middles of novels are rough. But what helps me is to remember to focus on how your characters are reacting and changing to the new world order.

You can flesh out secondary plots, develop motivations for friends and enemies. Then as you move toward the end, these deeply affected characters can pursue their story goal, which may be very different from the one stated in the beginning of the novel.

The middle or what I call Act 2 is very challenging, but it’s also the place where the story can find its meaning and the place where your characters find their true purpose. It defines who they are and propels their actions. It is the gauntlet of the novel for your characters.