This week, we’re digging into the how-tos of Preptober by discussing a few good strategies for Plotters at they plan their next novel. Now that you’ve established a couple of well-developed characters, it’s time to get plotting!

Here are 5 plot development strategies for Preptober Plotters:

1. Pick a structure

There’s no sense in reinventing the wheel. 3-Act Story Structure, Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, and so many more. Whichever works for your style, grab a worksheet and get to work. If you don’t understand a concept, a quick google should point you in the right direction. And there’s no rule that you have to complete an entire worksheet. Just give your story some scaffolding. Future you will thank you later.

2. Peel back the curtain

Now that you’ve established your character’s fatal flaw, it’s time to identify how you want to introduce that flaw to your audience. Force some internal conflict, back them into a corner with a confrontation, or even hint at their faults in a dialogue with someone else. The point is to show your audience that your MC has something that needs fixing, and it’s worth investing the time to see how it gets fixed.

3. Throw in an obstacle

This is the inciting incident or catalyst that changes everything. Until now, your MC was getting by just fine with their flaw, but this person/event/discovery is challenging everything they thought they knew. Make it juicy! Force your MC to go on a new journey—be it with reluctance or not. Present a hurdle so riveting that your readers won’t be able to put the book down.

4. Throw another curve ball

Okay, we’ve set up an interesting character with a captivating world. We’ve started our MC on a journey, and there’s no looking back. Let’s keep readers on their toes by tossing a thrilling plot twist in the middle! What’s an unexpected scenario that could throw your MC’s plan off-kilter? A surprising discovery? A shocking reveal? The more unpredictable, the better.

5. Brainstorm a finale that sings

As we’ve discussed before, a conclusion can make or break a book, so—while it doesn’t have to be perfect at this point—give it a little thought. What is the rock-bottom event that puts the final nail in the coffin for that fatal flaw? How does your MC overcome it in that epic finale? Who are they at the end of the novel compared to the beginning? Make it good. Make it satisfying. Make it unforgettable. Be sure to check out more tips on making your finale sing here.

Conclusion

With a well-developed plot, you’ve got the perfect road map to get you to the end of that novel. By setting up those pivotal scenes in the first, second, and third act, you’ll always have a goal to write towards—easily establishing a more focused narrative for your novel, and less stressful writing sessions going forward! Still a little nervous about getting lost in the weeds as you plan? Check out a few more tips for Preptober Plotters here.