Plot. The base of all stories. It can't be a story without a plot.

Now, I'm gonna throwback some stuff from second grade here. Remember the plot diagram? The one that looked like a mountain?

This little thing?

Well, let me explain it: the plot diagram included the basics of any plot. The exposition, the beginning. This can be the prologue or first few chapters of your story, since it is where the characters and setting are introduced. Sometimes the conflict is introduced as well, but it doesn't have to for Warriors.

The rising action is where all the tension builds. The conflict, discovering how to solve it. That's the meat of your story. Most of the chapters.

The climax is the turning point of the story. Where the good and bad guy face each other. Or where that particular healing herb is discovered. Things like that, where the story makes a big change.

Falling action is when everything is slowing down. The conflict is solved, and everything is going back to normal. Everything is tied up, so you are left with no lose ends. Unless you want it to be a series, then that's another story.

And the resolution, sometimes referred to as the denouement, (day-new-moi) is where the story ends. It could be an epilogue, or just the last chapters. Whatever it is, that's when the story finally comes to a stopping point.

Now that you know the basics, here's a bigger, more complex diagram for you to think about.

It has more things to think about. Your setting, the situation, protagonist and antagonist. It has the title! It has the conflict! It has it all.

You don't have to fill it out, but it can help you think deeper into your story. Now, I know making characters is one of the most fun parts, but don't go into that just yet. We'll cover that later.

Instead, think: what is the problem in the story? Is the main character struggling with something? Is there a big storm, is there a deadly sickness? Is there a battle about to take place?

I would ask about prophecies, but we'll cover that later as well. For now, just think of the basics.

Alright, now that we've covered what you need to do, go think about it. Write it down somewhere. And if you need advice, comment on this chapter or pm me. I won't bite! <3