There are different reasons why we write. For me, it is an escape from the real world. But how do you set up an amazing story that readers will love?
Whether you always wanted to write a story but don't know where to start? Or you're in the editing...
"A book is simply the container of an idea—like a bottle; what is inside the book is what matters." —Angela Carter
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Most books start with an idea. We think of a character suited for that idea and give them flaws, problems, goals/wants, and needs. And now it's time for the next step, the trunk (A + B plot). Shape the idea into a plot.
A plot usually exists out of two plot lines: the A and B plot. Intertwine the two plots together to have a sturdy trunk as the base of your tree, your story.
But what is the A and B plot? The flaws/problems, wants/goals, and needs are going to be important for this part.
The A Plot
The A plot is the external story. The premise. The plot that is happening on the surface. Remember the example in the last chapter about someone hunting your Main Character? Being hunted is an external story happening to your character. Or overthrowing a government, poisoning a king, fighting evil, or just competing with your ex. It's probably what your idea was about, which we call the premise of the story.
The B Plot
So, what could there possibly be more than the idea? Than all the existing stuff happening to your character? Well, the internal story: the B plot. It's about what your character needs to learn and their character development. Some will say the B plot is what the story really is about.
Is the Main Character being hunted really about the hunt? Or is it about your character facing what is happening? Maybe dealing with the why is what your internal story is really about.
The B plot is the life lesson your character has to learn, and it is important to make it somewhat relatable. Being hunted by someone or something isn't probably generally relatable. But dealing with the consequences of your actions is.
Besides responsibility, there are other life lessons to choose from. It could be redemption, trust, or love.
But what if I have more than one Main Character?
I would repeat the same process for each character. To be honest, you could even do this for important side characters. It can be helpful to know what drives your character and where they need to go. What is the plot doing to them, and where is it going? If important side characters have an internal plot, you give them more substance, and they feel more real to readers.
