Plotting! A nemesis to those of us who consider ourselves to be pantsters. Recently, I got tired of my first drafts being so messy and taking forever to edit and rewrite, that I decided to read about how to plot and how to structure a story. I understand everyone does this different, and sometimes genres vary in how to do this, so I recommend also reading up on that. Someone in a Discord server recently asked me to share what I learned, so I figured I would put it here too. Feel free to add on and give your own advice on plotting and any resources you know of!
Most of all, it is about figuring out a system that works for you! I recommend starting with the 9-point structure, then in the final ninth step where it tells you to put it into an outline, see how it aligns with the three act structure and what parts of your story will be the vital plot points. This is what I have started doing. Make notes for the 9-point structure, then make a separate set of notes for the three-act structure, to give you a visual of how they line up.
When you are in the first steps, also consider theme. What do you want the overall atmosphere of the book to be? This can come in the form of aesthetics, colors, mood, setting. It will tie into your characters. Creating your main character(s) should be in this step, too. Having their background and story will help you decide what the story catalyst is, what the MC has to lose by failing, and give you an idea how they navigate conflict, and most importantly, what is the flaw they need to overcome in order for their transformation to happen? (I have a full character profile template I use, and am happy to share it if anyone wants.)
The 9-Point Plot structure could be a little easier for some to break down before integrating it into the traditional three-act structure. What helped me most from this structure was the idea of throwing rocks at your character throughout act 2, with the biggest one happening at the 3rd PP or the âAll is Lostâ moment. These rocks are the obstacles your MC faces during the journey. Reedsy notes to throw between 3-5 rocks at your character in at least three separate scenes, building up to that vital third PP.
Reedsy on the three-act structure:
Think of certain plot points (or beats) as links between one another. For example: The First Plot Point and the Third Plot Point. The First PP is a doorway into the story, the birth of the story and the MCâs transformation. It engages the MC in a conflict or problem they canât escape. Some form of death, be it literal or metaphorical, pushes them into that doorway.
The Third PP, on the other hand, pushes the MC into the final confrontation, and is the beginning of their rebirth of sorts. Their transformation. The MC can no longer believe the lie of their life they believed before because the truth is indisputable and obvious. In some ways the First PP should foreshadow the final âdeathâ in the Third PP. I found this on the Helping Writers Become Authors website, and it made me completely rethink how I was writing my books.
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/the-link-between-your-storys-first-plot-point-and-third-plot-point/
For more on links between plot points:
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/pinch-points/
K.M. Weiland of this website also discussed the âmirror momentâ that should happen in the middle of the book. This is a moment when the MC takes a good hard look at themselves and what they need to change to survive the conflict/problem.
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/plotters-and-pantsers/
Mirroring can also be effective for the middle and end of the book, as well. This involves writing an ending reminds readers a little of the beginning to create a full-circle effect. This can be done via themes and ideas, not necessarily copying the scene exactly. More on mirroring here:
I hope all of this helps!