"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
- Madeleine L'Engle

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Now we've got the roots of your tree (the character arc) and a sturdy trunk (our basic plot). All that is left are some branches and leaves. However, before we continue to our plot structure, let's answer a few questions to help us figure out our plot a bit more: 

↟ Who is your main character?

↟ What is the most important thing the reader should know about your main character?

↟ How are their flaw/problems affecting them?

↟ At the beginning of their story, what does your character want and how are they pursuing this?

↟ How does your character figure out what they need?

↟ Where is their story taking place?

↟ What is standing in your character's way?*

*Now, the last question deserves some explanation because there are seven universal conflicts in literature:

 Character vs Character 

The conflict could be the hero vs. the villain or the love interest not seeing eye to eye with your main character. Examples of this are Cinderella vs. the evil Stepmother (Hero vs. Villain) or Beauty and the Beast (Main character vs. Love interest)

Character vs. Self

This is about internal conflict. This conflict can explore psychological themes about morals, doing the right things, or changing beliefs. It can be a battle between wants and needs. An example of this conflict is Elsa from Frozen, who is struggling to accept her powers.

Character vs Society

A conflict of your character with society. This is a common theme in dystopian stories. It can be about acceptance or changing a nation.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame fighting against how society sees and judges them is an example of it.

Character vs Nature

This is a conflict where a character fights against nature and the environment, like weather, natural disasters, or wilderness. Sometimes nature is seen as the actual good guy.

For example, Moby Dick: Ishmael vs the sea and whales, or Hansel and Gretel lost in the forest.

Character vs. technology

Technology is a common theme in sci-fi novels. The stories show the power of technology and how ambition and greed can turn it into weapons.

The first science fiction novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a good example of this theme. Dr. Frankenstein vs. his own creation.

Characters vs. fate

The character is facing their own destiny and struggling to accept their fate, whether it comes from a prophecy or something like a disease they can't overcome.

An example of character vs fate is Sleeping Beauty, who is cursed and no matter what her parents and fairy godmothers try, she will end up fulfilling the curse.

Or the Wicked by Gregory Maguire, where Elphaba, born green, is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West.

Character vs. supernatural

Here, the characters face against supernatural creatures or other magical forces. The conflict is close to Character vs fate.

Rumpelstiltskin and the Evil Queen (from Snow White) are examples of supernaturals vs. the hero of the story. But supernatural forces could be werewolves, magic, gods, ghosts, superheroes, vampires, etc.

↟ Which of the conflicts fits your story best?

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Before I go to the beats of my story (the story structure), I always like to write down a quick logline. It's your original story idea with our character arc and A + B plot in mind.

A logline is a one to two sentences summary of the story. It contains the who, what, when/where, how, and why. It can set the theme and revolve around the inciting incident. There are multiple logline formulas, so you can end up with something like this:

↟ When (inciting incident) happens, the (main character) decides to do (central conflict) against (antagonist).

Or using the Killogator logline formula (by Graeme Shimmin):

↟ In a (setting) a (protagonist) has a (problem) caused by (an antagonist) and (faces conflict) as they try to (achieve a goal).

Or the one Wattpad uses:

↟ (Character name), (character description), has to (action) in order to (result).

Of course, you can combine or change them a bit to fit your story.

Example of my own stories:

Scars and Secrets

Madeline and Caden are soulmates, but she doesn't know he's a werewolf whose past is catching up to him, bringing them both in danger.

Sin Eater

Roselin, a conflicted but eager art student, meets the crime boss and Mageía Ryu; sucked into his world, can they survive an enemy out for revenge?

The Crimes of the Witches

Before her twelfth birthday, Davinia never thought she could kill, but for the past eight years, taking their lives is all she could think about.

↟ What would your Logline look like?

- TalleFey 

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