The Novelry on Writing

The 5 Ps: Plot - Writing Plot Structure

Jul 2, 2025
Dive into the heart of storytelling as the hosts explore the essence of plot and its vital role in character development. Discover how stakes and tension elevate your story, making readers cling to each page. Learn the art of crafting compelling openings in just three pages, ensuring your characters face genuine challenges. Plus, subplots are unveiled as powerful tools to enrich the narrative and support the main journey. Perfect insights for both new and seasoned writers looking to captivate their audience!
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INSIGHT

Plot Is A Change Journey

  • Plot is the sequence of events that forces a character to change from who they were to who they become.
  • Heather Webb explains that plot exists to facilitate character transformation through escalating challenges.
INSIGHT

Stakes Power Plot Tension

  • Stakes and plot are tightly linked because risk raises tension and tightens plotting over time.
  • Tash Barsby recommends increasing stakes to make the book tenser and more engaging.
ADVICE

Torture Characters To Raise Stakes

  • Don't shy away from making life hard for your characters; raising stakes often requires 'torturing' them emotionally and physically.
  • Tash Barsby and Heather Webb remind writers that fiction allows you to be as mean as necessary to drive change.
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