If you struggle with plot, here’s a technique that might help you bring things into focus, from the Adventures in Children’s Publishing blog:
Want to create a plot you’ll itch to write? A protagonist you’ll love? An antagonist that will give you shivers? And (simultaneously) the first draft of a synopsis ready to be pared down to two pages and polished up?
Like many writers, I’ve spun my mental wheels researching and experimenting with different methods of plotting: outlining versus free writing versus turning points versus notecards versus snowflake method etc. Since I’ve finally found something that works for me, I thought I’d share my Complications Worksheet here to help you simultaneously develop action, motivation and character depth by piling trouble on your poor protagonist.
what an exhaustive study on developing story, and what an excellent resource. i'm printing it now — a hard copy is a must. thank you for the post, marths!