Plot Development

I have to confess that I am one of those crazy people who must have structure and organization in her life. I think it is a control issue because so often I feel as if I do not have control over much of what happens in my life. Writing is an escape, but it is also an incredibly structured process that seems to soothe that part of me that urges me to be controlling. When I work on the plot of a story, I find it to be one of the most enjoyable parts of creating a story because of the structure. I use a basic formula and refer to it while writing the story. I think this is necessary if you want your story to make more sense than real life and to make it more credible. If you map out the plot of your story, you are better able to see plot holes and other mistakes.

Basically, a work of fiction can be divided into four sections:

The First Quarter of the Book

The Opening Scene
This is where the character introduction and setting is established. This is a good time to start with some excitement and maybe open with a small disaster.

The Inciting Incident

This is the event (usually around chapter one) that sets the story in motion. It is your character’s call to adventure.

The First Turning Point

Usually around chapter three. It is the hook at the end of your proposal that you hope will entice your targeted editor or agent to ask to see the rest of the manuscript. Until now, your character has been trying to refuse the call to adventure or has been trying to keep it at arm’s length by giving it a half-hearted commitment. He/she becomes sucked, personally and irreversibly, into the adventure.

The Second Quarter of the Book 

This section is filled with tests, confrontations, and obstacles for the main characters to over come. Launch it with a series of dramatic events - something big.

The Third Quarter of the Book  

This is the time for romance. I know that not all stories have romance, but if there is any in your story, right now is the time for the couple to get together, BUT the rosy afterglow does not last long because now things quickly turn sour.

The Final Quarter of the Book  

This is where the dark moment occurs. This is when it looks as though all is lost. A final desperate act occurs - heroic actions, grand sacrifices, the conflict is resolved, and the hero/heroine wins the day.