Novel Kicks Writing Room: Plot Challenge

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room and the Plot Challenge.

Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on plotting a piece of fiction, one task at a time.

These will potentially help you master plot structure by writing all major plot points, then analysing how each element builds toward a cohesive story.

Before you begin, ask yourself whether you want to write a short story ot a longer piece – maybe a novella or novel?

The Challenge

You will write a complete story by isolating and deliberately crafting five distinct plot sections. Each section has a specific job to do in your story.

Your Five Plot Roles:

1. Inciting Incident  — Your disruption

2. Rising Action — Your complications

3. Midpoint  — Your stakes amplification

4. Climax  — Your confrontation

5. Resolution  — Your consequences

Task One: Story Conception. 

Don’t rush these. Take as long as you need with this.

Choose Your Story Elements

Answer the following questions. Write about 500 words for each response.

• Who is your protagonist and what do they want?
• What is standing in their way?
• Where does the story take place?
• Why does this conflict matter to them?
• What could go wrong? (Hint: it will.)

Once you’ve done this, write a rough plot outline –

Create a one-page outline with 5-7 key turning points. You don’t need details—just signposts:

Example:

1. Maya discovers her brother stole from their family business
2. She confronts him; he disappears
3. Police suspect her instead
4. She finds evidence of his location
5. Confrontation at the warehouse; truth revealed
6. New job, new beginning.

At the top of the task, you were asked what kind of piece you wanted to write. Now you’ve done this exercise, has your goal changed?

Have fun with this. Please do let me know how you get on in the comments below.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.