The Skeleton That Holds It All Together

People sometimes ask me how I write a story.  In particular, they want to know how to take on something as huge as completing a novel.  My answer?  Think of it in sections or increments, instead of one huge task.

The starting point of every story for me is to outline three main aspects:

1.  MAIN CHARACTER

Who is the protagonist (main character)?

Write out everything you can conceive about them. 

(I do this for all essential characters to my story)

Physical, emotional, and spiritual traits. 

Habits.  Quirks.  Allergies.  Hopes.  Dreams.  Environment.

Are they allergic to shellfish?

Perhaps they collected bottle caps as a child.

Do they twist their pinkie ring when they are nervous?

The more you define every aspect of your protagonist, the more you know them.  Even if  all the things you write don’t make it into your story, just knowing the details of your character’s life will help you write them more convincingly.  In my new novel, The Heat, my main character Maggie Sheldon is crazy about dessert.  In particular, she is addicted to strawberry cream-filled donuts.

2.  PRIMARY CONFLICT

What challenge(s) does this character face?

This is the meat of your story.

Without an obstacle or foe to overcome, the story line is flat. 

A complex plot will contain one primary conflict and a few other smaller obstacles for your character to attempt to overcome.  (And remember, they don't always HAVE to overcome every obstacle.  Sometimes loosing the battle is what shapes the growth/outcome of your main character.  Keep it realistic.)

3.  RESOLUTION

How does your protagonist deal with the issue(s) he/she faces?

Will there be a happily ever after? 

Do they defeat the bad guy? 

Overcome the obstacle? 

Or do they get their butt kicked but have the inner strength to accept the defeat and keep pressing forward?  In essence, how does the conflict change the character's life?

These three items are the essential elements to your plot.  They are the framework to build your story upon.  Start with a well-defined main character, a strong conflict and a creative resolution.  The rest will fall into place as you write.