A guide to plotting your story

There's nothing scarier (and more exciting) than a blank page. You've probably already got the kernel of an idea - an ending, a character, a twist - but now you need to flesh out the whole story. Everyone has different methods - some plot thoroughly before they write a word, some write and just see what happens, many sit somewhere in the middle.

Stuck for where to start? Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate the plotting process, ensuring your story is engaging and well-paced.

Step 1: Define Your Core Idea

Begin by articulating the central concept of your novel. This could be a theme, a character’s journey, or a unique setting. Write down a few sentences that encapsulate the essence of your story, like an elevator pitch.

Step 2: Develop Your Characters

Characters are the heart of any story. Take time to flesh out your main characters, considering their backgrounds, motivations, and arcs. Some people like to write out whole, pages long character biographies, but this isn't necessary. The keys things to know are:

• Protagonist: Who is your main character? What do they want? What are their flaws?

• Antagonist: Who or what opposes the protagonist? What are their motivations?

• Supporting Characters: Who else plays a significant role in the story? How do they influence the protagonist?

You can then start thinking about specific personality traits and quirks, and factual information about their life history.

Step 3: Establish the Setting

Where and when does your story take place? The setting can greatly influence the plot and character development. Consider the following:

• Time Period: Is it contemporary, historical, or futuristic?

• Location: What specific places are crucial to your story?

• World-Building: Are there any unique rules or elements in your setting?

  
  

Step 4: Outline the Major Plot Points

Identify the key events that will drive your story forward. You could do this by hand-writing a flow chart in a notebook, making a table in a Word document or using Post-It notes. A common structure to follow is the three-act structure:

• Act 1: Setup - Introduce characters, setting, and the inciting incident that propels the protagonist into action.

• Act 2: Confrontation - Present obstacles and challenges for the protagonist, leading to a climax.

• Act 3: Resolution - Resolve the conflicts and provide closure to the character arcs.

  
  

Step 5: Create Subplots

Subplots can enrich your story and deepen character development. Consider how secondary characters’ journeys intersect with the main plot.

• Character Relationships: How do the subplots relate to the protagonist's journey?

• Themes: What additional themes can be explored through subplots?

  
  

Step 6: Revise and Refine

Once you have a draft of your plot outline, revisit it. Look for areas that may need more development or clarity. Consider feedback from trusted peers or writing groups. It doesn't have to be complete at this point - many writers let ideas come to them as they're writing - just be confident with the direction that your plot is heading.

Step 7: Start Writing!

With a solid plot outline in hand, you’re ready to begin writing your novel. Remember, plotting is a flexible process; feel free to adjust your outline as new ideas emerge during the writing phase.

Conclusion

Plotting a novel from scratch requires creativity and structure. By following these steps, you can create a captivating, well-paced story that resonates with readers. Happy writing!