@TheDragonsFriend
I usually start out by making the sypnosis as an initial thought. From there I develop the overarching theme so that way I have a driving point. I create some small plot points and then dive into making the story. As each piece gets connected, the story becomes more rigid in structure.
I never start like beginning, middle, and end because the plot is already laid out. It’s better to have strong focus points throughout specific areas of the story, and then rewrite or remove parts that don’t add up.