The Grind Continues

So the first act of this novel I'm working on is pretty well set, as is the third. As always, it's the second that's the hardest. I've got about 40k of what will be about a 60k novel down (I like short novels myself, so that's what I try to write). In order to make an effective middle of the plot, I'm doing a lot of free writing. This means I'm writing a lot of scenes and dialogue and even characters that will get cut. It's a little tedious, but it's always worked well for me. It allows me to get to know my characters better and therefore understand the finer points of their motivations. I got 4,000 words down yesterday and am starting my writing late tonight. I'm still fighting off whatever's been in my system, and slept for 5 solid hours today. I know I needed it, because I'm tired again now!