Plotting a novel can feel like an overwhelming task, especially for new writers. When I first decided to write a book, I had no idea where to begin with structuring a full-length narrative. Like most authors, I had plenty of ideas swimming around in my head, but no clue how to organize them into a cohesive story.

So when I started digging into plotting, what helped me most was breaking the process into smaller decisions: who the story is about, what they want, what gets in their way, and how those problems escalate. Once those pieces were in place, the plot got much easier to see. And that's what I'll try to help you with here in this guide.

Understanding the Basics of Plot

To plot a novel effectively, it's important to first grasp the basic elements that form a story's structure. Before you start outlining scenes, it helps to understand the basic pieces most stories are built around.

Key Elements of Story Structure

Most stories follow a similar basic blueprint, typically containing these key parts:

1. Exposition: Introduce important background information, setting, protagonist, and other main characters.
2. Inciting Incident: The event that hooks readers and disrupts the status quo, propelling your protagonist into the main action.
3. Rising Action: Events that build tension, complicate the conflict, and raise stakes as the story progresses.
4. Climax: The most intense moment in a story when the main character confronts their greatest challenge.
5. Falling Action: Events showing the aftermath of the climax and its effects on the characters.
6. Resolution: The conclusion addresses the remaining conflicts and reveals the protagonist's new status quo.

Having a solid grasp of these story structure elements will make plotting your novel much easier.

What Makes a Good Novel Plot?

A good plot gives readers a reason to keep going. Most strong plots have a few things in common:

• A compelling premise or hook
• Forward momentum
• Meaningful conflict
• Unpredictability
• Strong pacing
• Clear stakes
• A satisfying payoff

How to Plot a Novel: The Best Techniques

Supercharge Your Novel Writing with Atticus

Ready to turn your plot into a polished manuscript? Atticus is our #1 recommended book writing and formatting software for authors. With its writing and formatting tools, Atticus helps you:

• Organize and rearrange chapters and scenes
• Write and edit your manuscript in one place
• Set and monitor writing goals
• Format your book for ebook and print publication

Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, Atticus streamlines your writing process from first draft to final publication. Try Atticus today and experience the difference in your novel writing journey!

Learn More About Atticus

Now I'll walk you through my 5-step process that I've developed over years of writing and teaching other authors.

Step 1: Assemble Your Puzzle Pieces

I wouldn't worry about structure yet. First, get the main pieces of the story in front of you:

• Protagonist
• Main supporting characters
• Setting
• Thematic elements
• Core conflict
• Possible plot events

Don't worry about how these pieces fit together yet. Just get clear on what you have to work with.

Step 2: Use a Story Structure

Once you have those pieces, you can start fitting them into a structure. I recommend starting with a basic three-act narrative arc:

Act 1 – Setup: Establish your protagonist, other central characters, setting, and status quo. Build toward the inciting incident.

Act 2 – Confrontation: Develop your rising action with increasingly difficult obstacles for your protagonist to overcome.

Act 3 – Resolution: Decide how your main character will face the climax and think of events that lead to a satisfying ending.

Step 3: Layer in a Subplot

Once the main plot is working, look at your subplots. They should support the main story rather than compete with it. Some tips:

• Tie subplots thematically into your main arc
• Ensure they complement rather than complicate the main plot
• Use subplots to reveal additional aspects of your characters
• Interweave subplot events throughout your main plot arc for variety

Step 4: Develop Strong Character Arcs

As you plot out events, always keep one eye on how your protagonist and other key characters are evolving. Some tips for developing character arcs:

• Identify your protagonist's core flaw or wound they need to overcome
• Align external plot events with internal shifts
• Choose turning points that force your protagonist to grow
• Have side characters undergo change as well

Step 5: Ensure Every Scene Has Conflict

Within each act of your plot, break the story down into individual scenes. Ensure every scene has some kind of conflict, tension, or obstacle driving it forward. Ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of this scene?
• What conflict are the characters facing?
• Is the conflict external, internal, or both?
• Does this advance the plot or character arcs?
• How does this set up the next scene or moment in the story?

Alternative: The Snowflake Method

If outlining your entire novel from the start feels too rigid, try the “snowflake method” developed by Randy Ingermanson. The method gradually expands a simple story idea into a detailed novel plan:

1. Write a one-sentence summary of your novel.
2. Expand it into a paragraph describing the setup, three major disasters, and ending.
3. Create a summary for each major character, including their motivation, goal, conflict, and epiphany.
4. Expand each sentence from your plot summary into its own paragraph.
5. Write more detailed descriptions of your major characters.
6. Expand your plot synopsis further.
7. Develop detailed character charts.
8. Create a scene-by-scene list for the novel.
9. Optionally expand those scenes into more detailed narrative descriptions.
10. Start writing the first draft.

The process is iterative, so you can go back and revise earlier steps as your story develops.

How Long Does it Take to Plot a Novel?

No one-size-fits-all answer exists because individual writers and story complexities influence plotting timelines. However, for most authors, especially indie authors, it usually ranges from a few days to about a month.

Be careful not to spend too long in the plotting phase. It's easy to say you want the perfect plot, but you might be wasting time because you're afraid to start writing. Sometimes, it's just time to begin.

With the rise of AI tools, brainstorming and other tasks can become easier. I once spent a day plotting my novel with AI as a brainstorming partner. It took me just one day, so these tools can be powerful time-savers.

Additional Tips for Effective Novel Plotting

Here are some extra tips to help you improve your plotting skills:

• Use visual aids like index cards, whiteboards, or plot diagram worksheets to map out your story events.
• Read books and watch movies in your genre to study effective plot structures.
• Enlist beta readers to provide feedback on your plot outline before drafting.
• Be open to changing your outline if new ideas arise while writing.
• Keep track of any plot holes you notice in an editing file for easy reference later.
• Resist over-complicating. Strive for the simplest version of your plot that still engages readers.
• Ensure cause-and-effect logic flows clearly from event to event.

Conclusion

Plotting a novel doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. You can write an interesting story by following simple steps. Use effective methods to keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Remember, there's no one “right” way to plot a novel. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.

Now that you have the tools and knowledge to plot your novel effectively, it's time to put them into action. Start brainstorming your story ideas, outlining your plot points, and bringing your characters to life. Happy writing!