The 5 Ps: Plot - Writing Plot Structure

<p>While you can’t get the whole plot of a novel in the first three pages, those initial pages need to set up a foundation for writing plot structure. The plot is the journey your main character goes on to overcome challenges and change as a person by the end of the story. In this bonus episode of <em>The Novelry on Writing</em>, editor Tash Barsby and author Heather Webb dive into:</p><p>✍️ What is plot, and how does it drive story</p><p>✍️ How stakes play a role in plot</p><p>✍️ The importance of subplots</p><p>What happens in <em>your</em> story? Submit your work to The Next Big Story prize, where you could win $100,000 for the best first three pages of a novel. T&amp;Cs apply—see website for details.</p><p>Perfect for fiction writers seeking to enhance their novel openings and craft a setting that captivates readers. Whether you’re a new writer or have a few books under your belt, these writing tips will help you craft more engaging story beginnings and make your first three pages stand out.</p><p>Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️</p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction02:02 What is Plot?03:35 Stakes Drive Plot05:35 Inciting Incident07:39 Writing Plot Structure08:47 Subplots</p><p><strong>Guest Bios</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/team/tash-barsby" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Tash Barsby</a> was a Commissioning Editor at Transworld Publishers and worked at Vintage Books, Macmillan, and Simon &amp; Schuster before moving to Penguin Random House, where she worked with authors Sarah Pearse, Fiona Barton, Lesley Kara, and Tess Gerritsen.</p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/team/heather-webb" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Heather Webb</a> is the <em>USA Today</em> bestselling, award-winning author of historical novels, including <em>Queens of London</em>, <em>The Next Ship Home</em>, and <em>Strangers in the Night</em>.</p><p><strong>Resources</strong></p><p>Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:</p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/raise-the-stakes" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">How to Raise the Stakes in Your Story</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/plot-diagrams" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">How to Create a Plot Diagram for a Smooth Writing Journey</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/too-much-plot" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">What To Do if You’ve Got Too Much Plot</a></p><p>🎧 <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-novelry" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Share this episode!</a></p><p>▶️ On YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/VsjTR9AP-OY" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/VsjTR9AP-OY</a></p><p>🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated.</p><p><em>📖 Read the full episode transcript </em><a href="http://www.thenovelry.com/blog/the-5-ps-plot" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">here</a><em>!</em></p><p>📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? <em>For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/which-course" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">creative writing course</a><em> at The Novelry today. Sign up for </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/which-course" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">courses</a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/writer-coaching" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">coaching</a><em>, and a </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/community" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">community</a><em> from the world’s top-rated writing school.</em></p><p>❓Have a question? Email us at <a href="mailto:hello@thenovelry.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">hello@thenovelry.com</a>.</p><p>All w