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 i