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Building a Plot

· 2 min read
Krysta Barraford + AI Assistance
Krysta Barraford + AI Assistance
Bookcicle Maintainer

Building a plot for a novel can be a complex process, but there are some key steps you can follow to ensure success:

  1. Identify your protagonist and their goal: Every story needs a main character who wants something. This goal will drive the plot and give your story direction.

  2. Create obstacles: Once you know what your protagonist wants, you need to create obstacles that prevent them from achieving it. This can be anything from physical challenges to emotional barriers.

  3. Develop a climax: The climax is the point in the story where the protagonist either achieves their goal or fails. This should be the most dramatic and intense part of the story.

  4. Plan out the rising action: The rising action is the series of events that build up to the climax. These events should be increasingly challenging for the protagonist and keep the reader engaged.

  5. Craft a resolution: Once the climax is over, you need to wrap up the story in a satisfying way. This can mean tying up loose ends, revealing secrets, or offering a final twist.

  6. Consider pacing: The pacing of the story can make or break the reading experience. Make sure you don't rush through important events, but also don't linger too long on less important scenes.

  7. Edit and revise: Once you have a draft of your plot, go back and revise it. Look for areas where the pacing is off, characters need further development, or the plot needs to be tightened up.

By following these steps, you can build a strong plot that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.