There's no correct way to plot, but here are our suggestions.
Mentioned in the pod were my 5 points to note during plotting - see below the links.
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Five Plotting Points to help Guide You:
1. Conflict and stakes
Identify the main conflict that drives your story forward
Ensure the stakes are high enough to keep readers engaged
Consider both external conflicts (between characters or characters and their environment) and internal conflicts (within the characters themselves)
2. Character arcs
Develop your main characters' journeys throughout the story
Ensure each main character has a clear goal, motivation, and potential for change
Consider how the plot events will affect and change your characters
3. Pacing and structure
Decide on the right structure for your story (e.g., three-act structure, hero's journey)
Balance action, dialogue, and description to maintain a good pace
Consider the timing of key events, revelations, and twists to keep readers engaged
4. Causality and coherence
Ensure that plot events have a cause-and-effect relationship
Avoid coincidences or deus ex machina solutions
Make sure all subplots and character arcs are coherently tied to the main plot
5. Theme and message
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THEME IN FIRST DRAFT
Consider the overarching theme or message you want to convey through your story
Ensure that your plot, character arcs, and conflicts all reinforce this central theme
Avoid being too heavy-handed or preachy in your message delivery
