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Whether your characters cast spells, navigate futuristic technology, or live in a world without electricity, the systems available to them influence everything. Today, we’re exploring how to build believable magic and technology into our novels!

Welcome back to Day 13 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’re officially thirteen days into our 31-day novel-planning challenge!

And yesterday, we started exploring one of my favorite parts of writing.

WORLDBUILDING! 🌎

We talked about how worldbuilding isn’t just for fantasy and science fiction writers.

Every story takes place somewhere.

And the location, climate, terrain, and natural resources available in that setting can influence our characters’ lives.

But today?

We’re taking things a step further.

Because now that we’ve established where our characters live, we need to start thinking about how their world actually works.

And that brings us to today’s topic.

Magic and technology! ✨⚙️

Now, before my contemporary romance writers start thinking they can skip today’s lesson…

Not so fast! 😂

Because while your novel might not have magical powers or futuristic inventions, technology still plays an important role in your characters’ lives.

Even the absence of certain technologies can influence your story.

So grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, because today we’re exploring the systems that make our fictional worlds function!

Why Magic & Technology Matter in Worldbuilding

Let’s start with a simple question.

What tools and abilities are available to the people living in your story world?

Can they communicate instantly?

Can they travel long distances in a matter of hours?

Can they heal injuries with magic?

Can they access information whenever they want?

Or are they living in a time when sending a message might take several days?

These details might seem small, but they can influence your story in enormous ways.

Think about it.

If your protagonist can instantly call someone for help, that changes how certain conflicts might unfold.

If they live in a world where communication requires handwritten letters, misunderstandings and delays become much more likely.

And if magic exists?

Well, suddenly we have an entirely different set of possibilities!

But here’s the important thing.

Magic and technology shouldn’t exist in isolation from the rest of your world.

They should influence how people live.

How communities function.

How problems are solved.

And sometimes, how new problems are created.

That’s what we’re exploring today.

Step 1: Identify What Exists in Your World

First things first, grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Magic & Technology section.

We’re starting with a simple question.

What systems exist in your story world?

If you’re writing fantasy, you might have a magic system.

Maybe certain people can control elements.

Maybe magical abilities are inherited.

Maybe enchanted objects are used in everyday life.

If you’re writing science fiction, you might have advanced technology.

Artificial intelligence.

Interplanetary travel.

Robotics.

Or medical advancements that don’t exist in our world.

But what if you’re writing contemporary fiction?

Well, think about the technology we use every single day!

Smartphones.

Social media.

Cars.

Computers.

Medical equipment.

Security cameras.

All of these things can influence the events of a story.

And if you’re writing historical fiction, you need to think about what technology was available during that particular period.

Because a character living in Regency-era England has very different communication and transportation options from someone living in the modern world.

The first step is simply understanding what your characters have access to.

Step 2: Establish the Rules of Your Magic System ✨

Now, let’s talk to my fantasy writers!

Because if your novel includes magic, you might want to establish a few rules.

And don’t worry.

We’re not creating a 200-page magical encyclopedia today. 😂

We’re keeping things simple!

Start by asking yourself:

Who can use magic?

Can everyone use it?

Is it limited to certain people?

Does someone need to be born with magical abilities?

Or can magic be learned?

Next, think about how magic works.

Do characters need to speak spells?

Use specific objects?

Perform rituals?

Draw on energy from their surroundings?

And what can magic actually accomplish?

Can it heal injuries?

Create illusions?

Manipulate physical objects?

Or influence the natural world?

Now, here’s something especially important.

What CAN’T your magic do?

Because if magic can solve every problem without limitations, it can become difficult to create meaningful conflict.

Give Your Magic Limitations

Limitations help establish boundaries.

Maybe using magic requires enormous amounts of energy.

Maybe certain spells are difficult to learn.

Maybe magical abilities only work under specific conditions.

Or maybe using magic comes with consequences.

And those limitations can create interesting storytelling opportunities.

For example, imagine a character who can heal injuries through magic.

Sounds incredibly useful, right?

But what if healing someone leaves the character physically exhausted?

What if they can only heal certain types of injuries?

Or what if they have to choose between helping two people because their abilities are limited?

Suddenly, their magical power doesn’t eliminate conflict.

It creates difficult decisions.

And that’s something worth thinking about when developing your own magic system.

Step 3: Think About How Magic Changes Society

Now, here’s where worldbuilding becomes especially interesting.

If magic exists in your world, how does that change everyday life?

Because if people can use magic, it probably influences more than just the occasional dramatic battle scene.

Think about transportation.

Communication.

Healthcare.

Education.

Employment.

Government.

And even social status.

If healing magic exists, how does that affect medical care?

If people can teleport, how does that influence travel and trade?

If magical abilities are inherited, does that create social divisions?

And if certain abilities are incredibly rare, are those individuals celebrated, feared, or controlled?

You don’t need to answer every single question.

But thinking about how magic influences society can make your fictional world feel more believable.

A magic system becomes more immersive when it has consequences beyond the protagonist’s personal abilities.

And those consequences can create additional conflicts for your story!

Step 4: Explore Technology in Your Novel ⚙️

Now, let’s move on to technology.

And remember, this section applies to EVERY genre.

Technology isn’t limited to futuristic inventions.

It’s simply the tools, systems, and innovations people use to accomplish things.

So let’s start by thinking about the technology available in your setting.

How do people communicate?

How do they travel?

How do they access information?

How do they receive medical treatment?

What tools do they use for work?

And how does technology influence their relationships?

Contemporary Fiction

If you’re writing contemporary fiction, think about how modern technology might influence your plot.

For example, imagine you’re writing a romance.

Your characters might communicate through text messages.

They might meet through a dating app.

Or they might discover something important through social media.

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

Technology can solve problems, but it can also create them.

A misunderstood text message might lead to an argument.

An embarrassing social media post might create professional consequences.

Or a character might struggle to separate their online identity from their real life.

Technology can become an important part of your story’s conflict.

Historical Fiction

If you’re writing historical fiction, think about the technology available during your chosen period.

How did people travel?

How did they communicate?

How long did it take information to spread?

What medical treatments existed?

And what limitations did people experience?

For example, a character living in the early nineteenth century couldn’t simply send a text message to clarify a misunderstanding.

They might need to write a letter.

Wait for it to be delivered.

And then wait again for a response.

And that delay could have enormous consequences for the story!

Science Fiction

And for my science fiction writers?

This is where you can have a lot of fun!

Maybe your world includes technologies that don’t currently exist.

But just like magic systems, those technologies should have rules and limitations.

Who has access to them?

How expensive are they?

What problems do they solve?

What new problems do they create?

And how have they changed society?

The most interesting technologies often create both opportunities and complications.

Step 5: Think About Accessibility & Power

Now, here’s a question that applies to both magic and technology.

Who has access to these systems?

Because just because something exists in your fictional world doesn’t mean everyone can use it.

Maybe magical abilities are limited to certain families.

Maybe advanced technology is only available to wealthy communities.

Maybe education determines who can use certain tools.

Or maybe the government controls access to powerful resources.

Those differences can create social divisions.

They can influence your characters’ opportunities.

And they can become important sources of conflict.

For example, imagine a futuristic society where advanced medical technology can cure almost any disease.

But only wealthy citizens can afford it.

Suddenly, that technology isn’t simply an interesting worldbuilding detail.

It’s influencing the society’s structure and the lives of its people.

And it might become central to your protagonist’s story.

Who controls a resource can be just as important as what that resource can do.

We’ll explore society, culture, and politics in more detail over the next several days.

But for now, it’s worth starting to think about how your world’s systems influence power and opportunity.

Let’s Look at an Example: Pride and Prejudice 💕

Since we’ve been using Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen throughout our Preptober E-Guide, let’s explore how technology influences the novel.

And yes, even though Pride and Prejudice doesn’t have magical powers or futuristic inventions, technology still plays an important role!

The novel is set in early nineteenth-century England.

And the communication and transportation systems available during that period influence the story in meaningful ways.

Communication Through Letters

One of the most important forms of communication in Pride and Prejudice is the handwritten letter.

Characters can’t simply pick up a phone or send a text message.

They have to write letters and rely on those letters being delivered.

And that creates opportunities for delays, misunderstandings, and revelations.

Think about Mr. Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth.

It’s a major turning point in the story.

Darcy uses the letter to explain his actions and provide information that challenges Elizabeth’s assumptions.

And Elizabeth has to process that information without immediately confronting him.

The communication method shapes how that moment unfolds.

Transportation & Travel

Travel also influences the novel.

Characters move between estates, towns, and cities using the transportation available during the period.

And those journeys require more time and planning than modern travel.

Visits to places like Netherfield Park, Rosings Park, and Pemberley help bring characters together under different circumstances.

Travel isn’t simply a way to move between scenes.

It helps create opportunities for relationships to develop and for new information to emerge.

Access to Information

Now, think about how information spreads throughout the novel.

Characters often learn about events through conversations, letters, and social connections.

And that means their understanding of other people can be influenced by rumors, incomplete information, or personal bias.

Sound familiar?

That’s because limited access to information contributes to one of the novel’s central themes.

Prejudice!

Elizabeth forms opinions based on what she observes and what other people tell her.

And as new information becomes available, she’s forced to reconsider those judgments.

Notice how the technology available during the period influences the story?

The letters.

The travel.

The way information spreads.

All of these details help shape the plot.

That’s worldbuilding!

Even without magic or futuristic inventions.

Step 6: Don’t Let Your Systems Solve Every Problem

Now, here’s something I want you to think about.

If your world includes powerful magic or technology, how does that affect your story’s conflict?

Because sometimes, when we’re creating exciting systems, we accidentally give our characters an easy solution to every problem.

Maybe someone can teleport anywhere instantly.

Maybe they can read minds.

Maybe they can access any information in seconds.

And suddenly, a conflict that was supposed to last several chapters could be resolved in approximately thirty seconds. 😂

Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t include powerful abilities or advanced technology.

Of course you can!

But it helps to think about their limitations.

Maybe teleportation requires enormous amounts of energy.

Maybe mind-reading only works under certain conditions.

Maybe access to information is restricted.

Or maybe using a particular ability creates consequences your protagonist isn’t willing to accept.

And here’s something important.

Those limitations should feel consistent with the rules of your world.

Readers don’t necessarily need to know every detail.

But they should be able to understand why a character can or cannot use a particular ability to solve a problem.

Consistency helps create trust between the writer and the reader.

And it can make your fictional world feel much more believable.

Step 7: Keep Your Worldbuilding Simple

Okay, you guys.

Here’s your friendly reminder for today.

You do NOT need to invent an entire magical education system, technological infrastructure, or historical encyclopedia before you start writing. 😂

I know how tempting it can be.

Especially when you start thinking about all the fascinating possibilities.

Suddenly, you’re designing magical transportation systems.

Researching historical inventions.

Creating rules for futuristic technology.

And spending three hours figuring out how your fictional kingdom handles waste management.

And listen…

If that detail is important to your story, absolutely explore it!

But remember why we’re doing Preptober.

We’re preparing to write our novels in November.

We’re not trying to create the most elaborate worldbuilding documents imaginable.

So focus on the systems that matter most to your story.

What exists?

Who can use it?

How does it work?

What are its limitations?

And how does it influence your characters’ lives?

You can always expand on those details as you draft.

Your worldbuilding should support your writing process, not prevent you from starting.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Magic & Technology section.

Today, we’re exploring the systems that shape how our fictional worlds function.

Spend about 10–15 minutes answering these questions:

1. What magic or technology exists in my world?

Think about the tools, abilities, and systems available to your characters.

2. Who has access to these systems?

Can everyone use them, or are they limited to certain people or groups?

3. How do they work?

What are the basic rules governing these abilities or technologies?

4. What are their limitations?

What can’t they do? What does using them cost?

5. How do they influence everyday life?

Think about communication, transportation, healthcare, employment, and social relationships.

6. How might they create conflict?

Could these systems create obstacles, inequalities, difficult decisions, or unexpected consequences?

And remember…

You don’t need to answer every question in enormous detail.

If you’re writing contemporary fiction, you might only need a few notes about how technology influences your characters’ lives.

If you’re writing fantasy, you might spend a little more time establishing the rules of your magic system.

Whatever works for your story!

The goal is to create a foundation that will help you write with confidence.

Follow Along With Preptober 2026! 🎃📖

If you’re just joining us, welcome!

Throughout October, I’m sharing 31 daily YouTube videos to help writers plan their novels and prepare for Novel November.

We’re working through my free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, one section at a time.

And whether you’re a dedicated plotter, a proud pantser, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome to join us!

You don’t need an elaborate magic system.

You don’t need futuristic inventions.

And you definitely don’t need to know every technological advancement that has ever existed in your fictional world. 😂

You just need to understand the systems that influence your characters and the story you’re trying to tell.

Coming Up Tomorrow: Build Your Society & Culture! 🌎💕

Tomorrow, we’re moving on to Day 14 of Preptober 2026, and we’re exploring the societies and cultures that shape our fictional worlds.

We’ll talk about traditions.

Customs.

Beliefs.

Social expectations.

And the everyday details that make a community feel alive.

Because knowing where our characters live and what tools they have available is important.

But understanding how the people in that world live, interact, and see one another?

That’s where worldbuilding becomes even more interesting!

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:

What’s one piece of magic or technology that plays an important role in your novel? 👀✨

Is it an elaborate magic system?

A futuristic invention?

A historical communication method?

Or something as simple as a smartphone creating absolute chaos in your protagonist’s life? 😂

Tell me in the comments!

I’ll see you tomorrow!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

Think worldbuilding is only for fantasy and science fiction? Think again! Today, we’re exploring how to create a believable setting for your novel, no matter what genre you’re writing.

Welcome back to Day 12 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’ve officially made it to the worldbuilding portion of our 31-day novel-planning challenge!

And I am SO excited about this section.

Over the past several days, we’ve been getting to know our characters.

We’ve explored their personalities, motivations, goals, conflicts, and stakes.

And yesterday, we dug even deeper into their emotional journeys by identifying their wants, needs, and false beliefs.

But today?

We’re figuring out where all these wonderful characters actually LIVE! 😂

That’s right.

We’re talking about worldbuilding.

And before my contemporary romance, mystery, thriller, and historical fiction writers start thinking they can skip this section…

WORLD BUILDING IS FOR EVERY GENRE!

Yes, even yours.

Because whether you’re writing an epic fantasy set in a magical kingdom or a contemporary romance set in a small coastal town, your story takes place somewhere.

And that setting can influence everything from your characters’ daily lives to the conflicts they experience.

So grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, because today we’re building our story worlds!

What Is Worldbuilding?

Let’s start with the basics.

Worldbuilding is the process of creating and developing the setting and environment in which your story takes place.

Now, when most people hear the word worldbuilding, they immediately think of fantasy novels.

Magical kingdoms.

Ancient civilizations.

Elaborate political systems.

Entirely fictional languages.

And yes, those things absolutely fall under worldbuilding!

But worldbuilding is so much more than inventing an entirely new universe.

It’s about understanding the environment your characters inhabit.

Where do they live?

What does their community look like?

What resources are available to them?

What are the social expectations?

How does the environment influence their daily lives?

And perhaps most importantly…

How does the world around your characters influence the story you’re trying to tell?

Because your setting shouldn’t necessarily be nothing more than a pretty backdrop.

It can create obstacles.

Shape relationships.

Influence decisions.

And sometimes, become an important source of conflict.

Why Worldbuilding Matters in Every Genre

Let’s imagine two completely different novels.

In the first, we’re writing an epic fantasy about a kingdom surrounded by dangerous mountains.

Travel is difficult.

Resources are limited.

And neighboring territories are separated by treacherous terrain.

Those environmental conditions might influence trade, politics, communication, and conflict.

Now, let’s imagine we’re writing a contemporary romance set in a small coastal town.

Everyone knows everyone.

Tourism drives the local economy.

The town experiences seasonal storms.

And families have lived there for generations.

Those details might influence your protagonist’s career opportunities, relationships, family expectations, and decisions about whether to stay or leave.

Completely different genres.

But both stories benefit from thoughtful worldbuilding.

The goal isn’t to create the most elaborate setting imaginable. It’s to create a world that feels believable and supports your story.

And that’s exactly what we’re working on today.

Step 1: Establish Your Story’s Location 📍

First things first, grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Worldbuilding section.

We’re starting with one simple question.

Where does your story take place?

Is it a real location?

A fictional town?

A historical city?

An entirely invented kingdom?

A distant planet?

Or perhaps several different locations?

Start by identifying the primary setting of your novel.

And don’t worry if you haven’t decided on a specific name yet.

You can always use a placeholder!

Now, I want you to think about what makes this location unique.

Is it a bustling city filled with people?

A quiet rural community?

A remote mountain village?

A crowded university campus?

A seaside town where everyone knows your business?

Because the type of location you choose can influence your story in all kinds of ways.

For example, a protagonist living in a large city might have access to opportunities and resources that someone living in a remote community doesn’t.

But someone living in a small town might experience a level of social pressure or familiarity that creates entirely different challenges.

Where your characters live can influence how they live.

And that’s an important part of worldbuilding!

Step 2: Think About Climate & Terrain 🌲

Next, let’s explore the physical environment.

What’s the climate like?

Does your story take place somewhere warm and sunny?

Cold and snowy?

Rainy and humid?

Does the landscape feature mountains, forests, deserts, beaches, or rolling hills?

Now, you might be thinking…

Elizabeth, why does this matter?

Because the physical environment can influence your characters’ everyday experiences!

Think about a story set in a remote mountain town during winter.

Heavy snowfall might make traveling difficult.

Certain roads might become inaccessible.

Businesses might close during severe weather.

And characters might find themselves isolated from the outside world.

Suddenly, the environment isn’t just something we’re describing.

It’s influencing the choices our characters can make.

And this applies to contemporary fiction just as much as fantasy.

A summer romance set in a beach town will naturally have a different atmosphere from a mystery set in a snow-covered mountain village.

The climate and terrain can influence your story’s mood, logistics, and conflicts.

And you don’t need to write pages and pages of environmental descriptions to make those details meaningful.

Sometimes, a few well-chosen details are enough.

Step 3: Consider Your World’s Natural Resources

Now we’re moving into something that might not seem particularly exciting at first.

Natural resources.

But trust me, this can become incredibly interesting when you start thinking about how resources influence a community.

What does your setting have access to?

Fresh water?

Fertile farmland?

Forests?

Minerals?

Fishing waters?

Energy sources?

And what might be difficult to obtain?

In a fantasy novel, access to a rare mineral might influence trade relationships between kingdoms.

In a historical novel, fertile farmland might determine where communities develop.

In a contemporary novel, a town might depend on fishing, agriculture, or tourism for its economy.

And when those resources become threatened?

Well…

Now we’ve got the potential for conflict! 👀

For example, imagine a fictional small town whose economy depends on a local lake.

What happens if the lake becomes polluted?

How might that affect businesses?

Families?

Local politics?

The protagonist’s livelihood?

Suddenly, one environmental detail has created multiple opportunities for storytelling.

And that’s what I love about worldbuilding.

Sometimes the smallest details can have enormous consequences.

Step 4: Think About How Your Setting Influences Your Characters

Now that we’ve explored the physical world, let’s connect it to our characters.

Because here’s something I want you to remember.

Your setting should influence the people who live there.

Think about how your own environment has shaped your experiences.

Where you grew up.

The communities you’ve been part of.

The opportunities available to you.

The expectations surrounding you.

All of those things can influence how you see the world.

And the same is true for fictional characters.

Maybe your protagonist grew up in a small town where everyone knows their family.

Maybe they live in a city where they feel anonymous.

Maybe their community values tradition above personal ambition.

Or maybe they come from a place where survival requires constant cooperation.

Those experiences can influence their personalities, values, goals, and even their false beliefs.

Remember yesterday’s exercise?

We talked about how our protagonists develop certain beliefs about themselves and the world.

Well, sometimes those beliefs are influenced by the environment they grew up in!

Worldbuilding and character development are connected.

And when we understand that connection, our stories can become even more believable.

Step 5: Let Your Setting Create Conflict

Now we’re getting into one of my favorite parts of worldbuilding.

Using the setting to create conflict! 😂

Because while a beautiful setting can make a story immersive, a setting that creates meaningful obstacles can make it even more compelling.

Maybe your protagonist lives in a community with strict social expectations.

Maybe the geography makes travel difficult.

Maybe the local economy is struggling.

Maybe the weather creates unexpected problems.

Or maybe the setting itself represents something your protagonist desperately wants to escape.

Let’s imagine a fictional contemporary romance.

Our protagonist has always dreamed of leaving her small hometown and moving to a big city.

But her family owns a struggling local business.

And when she’s offered an incredible career opportunity elsewhere, she has to decide whether to pursue her dream or stay and help her family.

Notice how the setting influences the conflict?

The small-town environment.

The family business.

The local economy.

The protagonist’s desire for independence.

All of those elements work together.

And that’s what we’re trying to accomplish!

Your world doesn’t need to be complicated. It needs to matter.

Let’s Look at an Example: Pride and Prejudice 💕

Since we’ve been using Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen throughout our Preptober E-Guide, let’s look at how its setting influences the story.

Because Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful example of worldbuilding in a novel that doesn’t involve magic, dragons, or fictional kingdoms.

The story takes place in Regency-era England, primarily within the social world of the landed gentry.

And that setting influences nearly every major conflict.

Location & Community

Elizabeth Bennet lives with her family at Longbourn, near the village of Meryton in Hertfordshire.

Much of the story unfolds through visits, social gatherings, balls, and interactions between neighboring families.

And because these communities are closely connected, reputation and social relationships matter enormously.

A single conversation or misunderstanding can influence how someone is perceived.

Sound familiar?

That’s because the setting helps create the conditions for Elizabeth and Darcy’s initial misunderstandings!

Social Expectations

Marriage plays an enormous role in the novel.

But not because everyone happens to be interested in romance.

For women in Elizabeth’s social position, marriage can have significant financial and social consequences.

The Bennet estate is entailed away from the daughters, creating uncertainty about their future security.

That detail influences Mrs. Bennet’s determination to see her daughters married.

It also helps explain why Charlotte Lucas approaches marriage differently from Elizabeth.

The social environment creates meaningful pressure on the characters.

Wealth & Property

Estates like Longbourn, Netherfield Park, and Pemberley aren’t simply beautiful locations.

They also reflect wealth, status, and social position.

And those differences influence how characters perceive and interact with one another.

Darcy’s wealth and position, for example, contribute to the social tensions surrounding his relationship with Elizabeth.

The physical settings and social structures work together to shape the story.

How the World Creates Conflict

Now, here’s what I love about this example.

If we removed the social expectations, financial pressures, and class distinctions of Regency England, Pride and Prejudice would be a very different story.

Those elements aren’t just historical decoration.

They’re essential to the characters’ motivations and conflicts.

That’s effective worldbuilding!

The world influences the characters.

The characters make decisions based on their circumstances.

And those decisions drive the plot forward.

Step 6: Don’t Fall Into the Worldbuilding Rabbit Hole 🐇

Okay, you guys.

Here’s your friendly reminder.

You do NOT need to create an entire encyclopedia about your fictional world before you start writing. 😂

I know.

It’s tempting.

Especially when you start discovering all the interesting details that could exist within your setting.

Suddenly, you’re researching historical architecture.

Creating maps.

Inventing local traditions.

And spending three hours deciding what kind of trees grow near your protagonist’s childhood home.

And listen…

If you genuinely enjoy that process, there’s nothing wrong with it!

But remember why we’re doing Preptober.

We’re preparing to write our novels in November.

We’re not trying to create the most elaborate planning documents imaginable.

So focus on the worldbuilding details that are most relevant to your story.

Where does it take place?

What’s the environment like?

How does that environment influence your characters?

And what conflicts might arise because of the setting?

You can always develop additional details while drafting.

Your world is allowed to grow alongside your novel.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Worldbuilding section.

Today, we’re focusing on the physical foundations of our story worlds.

Spend about 10–15 minutes answering these questions:

1. Location: Where does your story take place? Is it a real location or a fictional one?

2. Climate & Terrain: What’s the weather like? What does the surrounding landscape look like?

3. Natural Resources: What resources are available? What might be limited or difficult to obtain?

4. Daily Life: How does the environment influence the way people live?

5. Conflict: How might the setting create obstacles for your protagonist?

And if you’re feeling ambitious, here’s one more question:

How would your story change if it took place somewhere completely different?

If the answer is “not very much,” that’s okay!

But it might be worth thinking about ways your setting could become more meaningful to the story.

And remember…

You don’t need to know everything about your world today.

We’re creating a foundation.

Something we can continue building on over the next several days.

Follow Along With Preptober 2026! 🎃📖

If you’re just joining us, welcome!

Throughout October, I’m sharing 31 daily YouTube videos to help writers plan their novels and prepare for Novel November.

We’re working through my free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, one section at a time.

And whether you’re a dedicated plotter, a proud pantser, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome to join us!

You don’t need a detailed map.

You don’t need a fictional language.

And you definitely don’t need to know the complete history of every building in your story. 😂

You just need to create a world that feels believable and supports the story you’re trying to tell.

Coming Up Tomorrow: Build Your Magic & Technology! ✨⚙️

Tomorrow, we’re moving on to Day 13 of Preptober 2026, and we’re exploring the systems that shape how our fictional worlds function.

We’ll talk about magic systems for fantasy writers.

Technology for science fiction and contemporary writers.

And how the tools and systems available to our characters can influence their decisions, opportunities, and conflicts.

Because whether your protagonist is casting spells, navigating a futuristic city, or simply trying to survive without their smartphone…

The tools available in their world can change everything! 😂

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:

Where does your novel take place? 🌎💕

Are we visiting a magical kingdom?

A cozy small town?

A bustling city?

A historical setting?

Or somewhere completely unexpected?

Tell me in the comments!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

What does your protagonist want? What’s standing in their way? And what happens if they fail? Today, we’re exploring three essential elements that help turn interesting characters into an engaging novel.

Welcome back to Day 10 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’re officially TEN days into our 31-day novel-planning challenge!

Can you believe it?!

Over the past few days, we’ve been getting to know the characters who will bring our novels to life.

We’ve identified our protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.

We’ve explored their personalities, strengths, flaws, and motivations.

And previously, we spent some time developing the important relationships and opposing forces that will influence our stories.

But today?

We’re going to start making our protagonists’ lives a little more complicated. 😂

Because having interesting characters is wonderful.

But those characters also need something to work toward.

Something standing in their way.

And something meaningful to lose.

That’s where today’s topic comes in.

Goal. Conflict. Stakes.

These three elements work together to create the tension that keeps readers turning pages.

Why Goal, Conflict & Stakes Matter

Think about a story where the protagonist wants something, immediately gets it, and then spends the rest of the novel enjoying their success.

Sounds lovely for the protagonist.

But as a reader?

We might get a little bored. 😂

That’s because stories generally need some form of tension.

We want to see characters pursue goals, encounter obstacles, make difficult decisions, and face consequences.

And the more those things matter to the characters, the more invested we become in their journeys.

That’s where goal, conflict, and stakes come together.

Goal: What does your protagonist want to accomplish?

Conflict: What’s preventing them from accomplishing it?

Stakes: What happens if they fail?

These three questions might sound simple, but answering them can give your novel a much stronger foundation.

And the best part?

You don’t need an elaborate plot outline to start figuring them out.

You just need to understand what your protagonist is working toward and why it matters.

Step 1: Identify Your Protagonist’s Goal 🎯

Let’s start with the first question.

What does your protagonist want?

This is their goal.

It’s the thing they’re actively trying to accomplish throughout the story.

Maybe they want to solve a mystery.

Win a competition.

Save their family business.

Find a missing loved one.

Or build a relationship with someone they care about.

Whatever the goal, it should give your protagonist a reason to take action.

And here’s something important to remember.

Your protagonist’s goal should help drive the story forward.

That doesn’t mean they need to be fearless, ambitious, or particularly enthusiastic about their circumstances.

Some protagonists are reluctant.

Some are terrified.

Some would much rather stay home and avoid the entire situation. 😂

But eventually, they need to make choices that influence what happens next.

External Goals vs. Internal Desires

Now, here’s where things can get interesting.

Sometimes our protagonists have an external goal and an internal desire.

An external goal is something they can actively pursue or accomplish.

For example, winning a competition or solving a mystery.

An internal desire is often something more emotional.

Maybe they want to feel accepted.

Maybe they want to prove they’re worthy of love.

Maybe they’re searching for a sense of belonging.

These two things can be connected!

A character might pursue an external goal because they believe achieving it will finally satisfy an emotional need.

And sometimes, those desires create complications of their own.

We’ll explore that idea even further tomorrow when we talk about wants, needs, and false beliefs.

For today, I want you to focus on identifying your protagonist’s central goal.

What are they trying to accomplish by the end of the story?

Step 2: Create Meaningful Conflict ⚔️

Now that we know what our protagonist wants, it’s time to make things difficult.

Because if achieving their goal were easy, we probably wouldn’t have much of a novel!

Conflict is whatever stands between your protagonist and their goal.

And here’s something I want you to remember.

Conflict doesn’t always mean fighting.

Yes, conflict can involve battles, dangerous villains, and enormous external threats.

But it can also involve misunderstandings.

Competing priorities.

Family expectations.

Financial difficulties.

Emotional wounds.

Or a character’s inability to admit what they really want.

There are so many ways to create meaningful conflict!

External Conflict

External conflict comes from forces outside your protagonist.

Maybe they’re competing against someone.

Maybe they’re struggling against a social system.

Maybe they’re facing an environmental disaster.

Or maybe another character is actively working against them.

For example, imagine a protagonist who’s trying to save a struggling community theater.

Their external conflicts might include financial problems, an approaching deadline, and a property developer who wants to purchase the building.

Each obstacle makes their goal more difficult to achieve.

Internal Conflict

Internal conflict happens within your protagonist.

Maybe they’re afraid of failure.

Maybe they struggle to trust other people.

Maybe they believe they don’t deserve happiness.

Or maybe they’re torn between two things they desperately want.

Internal conflict can be especially compelling because sometimes…

Our protagonists are their own biggest obstacles. 😂

They might make decisions that create additional problems.

They might avoid difficult conversations.

Or they might hold on to beliefs that prevent them from recognizing what’s right in front of them.

And when internal and external conflicts influence each other?

That’s where storytelling can become especially interesting.

Let Your Conflict Escalate

Here’s another thing worth considering.

Your protagonist’s obstacles should generally become more difficult as the story progresses.

Maybe they overcome one challenge, only to discover a bigger problem.

Maybe a decision that seemed reasonable at the time creates unexpected consequences.

Or maybe achieving one goal forces them to sacrifice something else.

The important thing is that the conflict continues to develop.

We want our protagonists to make progress, experience setbacks, and face increasingly difficult choices.

Because those choices help create the momentum that carries readers through the story.

Step 3: Raise the Stakes 💔

Now we’re getting into one of my favorite parts of storytelling.

Stakes!

Because we’ve figured out what our protagonist wants.

We’ve identified what’s standing in their way.

But now we need to answer one more question.

What happens if they fail?

Why does achieving this goal matter?

What does your protagonist stand to lose?

And why should readers care?

These consequences are your stakes.

And here’s something I really want you to remember.

The stakes don’t have to involve saving the entire world.

Sometimes the possibility of losing something deeply personal can be just as powerful.

Maybe your protagonist could lose their home.

Their career.

Their closest friendship.

Their independence.

Their reputation.

Or the chance to build the life they’ve always wanted.

The important thing is that the consequences matter to your protagonist.

External Stakes vs. Emotional Stakes

Just like conflict, stakes can exist on different levels.

External stakes are the tangible consequences of failure.

For example, losing a business, missing an important opportunity, or facing a legal penalty.

Emotional stakes involve the personal consequences.

Maybe failure would confirm your protagonist’s deepest insecurity.

Maybe it would damage an important relationship.

Or maybe it would force them to confront something they’ve been avoiding.

Let’s return to our community theater example.

If the protagonist fails, the theater closes.

Those are the external stakes.

But maybe the theater was founded by someone they loved, and losing it would feel like losing their last connection to that person.

Those are the emotional stakes.

And suddenly, the conflict feels much more personal.

The more we understand why something matters to our protagonist, the more invested we become in the outcome.

Let’s Look at an Example: Pride and Prejudice 💕

Since we’ve been using Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen throughout our Preptober E-Guide, let’s explore how goal, conflict, and stakes work in Elizabeth Bennet’s story.

One of the things I love about Pride and Prejudice is that its conflicts aren’t built around enormous physical threats.

They’re rooted in relationships, social expectations, financial pressures, and personal beliefs.

And yet, those conflicts are incredibly compelling!

Elizabeth Bennet’s Goal

Elizabeth values independence, integrity, and genuine affection.

She doesn’t want to marry simply because society expects her to.

She wants a future that allows her to maintain her self-respect and find real happiness.

So, for our planning exercise, we might describe her central goal as:

To find happiness and genuine love without sacrificing her independence or principles.

Elizabeth Bennet’s Conflict

Now, what’s standing in her way?

Quite a few things!

First, there’s the social pressure surrounding marriage.

Elizabeth lives in a society where women’s financial security is often closely tied to marriage.

Her family’s circumstances create additional pressure, especially because the Bennet estate is entailed away from the daughters.

Then there’s her relationship with Mr. Darcy.

Their initial misunderstandings, pride, and prejudices make it difficult for them to recognize one another’s true character.

And, of course, Elizabeth has her own internal conflict.

She’s intelligent and observant, but she’s also quick to form judgments.

Her confidence in her first impressions sometimes prevents her from seeing the truth.

Her external circumstances and internal flaws work together to create the story’s conflict.

Elizabeth Bennet’s Stakes

So what does Elizabeth stand to lose?

On an external level, she faces the possibility of an uncertain financial future.

Her family’s social standing and circumstances also influence her opportunities.

But emotionally?

Elizabeth risks sacrificing the happiness and genuine connection she desires.

She could allow her prejudices to prevent her from recognizing a meaningful relationship.

Or she could feel pressured into a marriage that doesn’t align with her values.

Those stakes matter because they connect directly to Elizabeth’s personality and beliefs.

And that’s what makes the story so engaging!

The goal, conflict, and stakes all connect to who Elizabeth is as a person.

Step 4: Make Your Goal, Conflict & Stakes Work Together

Now that we’ve explored these three elements individually, let’s bring them together.

Because goal, conflict, and stakes shouldn’t feel like three completely separate pieces of your story.

They should influence one another.

Your protagonist wants something.

Something prevents them from getting it.

And failing to achieve that goal has meaningful consequences.

Let’s use our fictional community theater example one more time.

Goal: A young theater director wants to save her community theater from closing.

Conflict: She must raise enough money before a deadline while competing with a developer who wants to purchase the property.

Stakes: If she fails, the theater closes, her community loses an important gathering place, and she loses a cherished connection to someone she loved.

See how those elements work together?

We know what the protagonist wants.

We understand why achieving it will be difficult.

And we know why failure would hurt.

That’s the foundation of a compelling central conflict.

And you can use these same questions when developing individual chapters and scenes later on!

Step 5: Don’t Make Everything Complicated Just Yet

Here’s your friendly reminder for today.

You do not need to figure out every conflict your protagonist will face before you start writing.

You don’t need a complete list of obstacles.

You don’t need to know exactly how every subplot will unfold.

And you definitely don’t need to make every chapter more dramatic than the one before it. 😂

For now, we’re focusing on the central conflict.

The big goal.

The major obstacle.

And the meaningful consequences.

As we continue planning our novels, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop smaller conflicts and additional stakes.

But having these three elements established now can help us make better decisions as we move into plotting and outlining.

Remember…

We’re creating a foundation, not trying to write the entire novel before November 1st.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Goal, Conflict & Stakes section.

Today, I want you to answer three questions about your protagonist.

1. Goal: What does my protagonist want to accomplish?
2. Conflict: What’s standing between my protagonist and that goal?
3. Stakes: What happens if my protagonist fails?

Try to be as specific as possible!

Instead of writing, “My protagonist wants to be happy,” think about what they’re actively pursuing that they believe will bring them happiness.

Instead of writing, “They face challenges,” identify the main obstacle that’s making their goal difficult to achieve.

And instead of writing, “Something bad happens if they fail,” think about what they stand to lose and why that loss matters.

If you’re feeling ambitious, try combining your answers into a few sentences:

My protagonist wants ______, but ______ stands in their way. If they fail, ______.

And remember, these answers don’t have to be perfect!

You can always revisit them as your story develops.

The goal is to create a clear foundation for your novel’s central conflict.

Follow Along With Preptober 2026! 🎃📖

If you’re just joining us, welcome!

Throughout October, I’m sharing 31 daily YouTube videos to help writers plan their novels and prepare for Novel November.

We’re working through my free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, one section at a time.

And whether you’re a dedicated plotter, a proud pantser, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome to join us!

You don’t need to have every scene planned.

You don’t need to know every obstacle your protagonist will face.

And you definitely don’t need to create the most complicated conflict imaginable.

You just need to understand what your protagonist wants, what’s standing in their way, and why it matters.

Coming Up Next: Wants, Needs & False Beliefs! 💕

Next up, we’re moving on to Day 11 of Preptober 2026, and we’re digging even deeper into our protagonists’ emotional journeys.

We’ll explore the difference between what our characters WANT and what they actually NEED.

And we’ll talk about the false beliefs that influence their decisions and sometimes make their lives significantly more complicated. 😂

Because knowing what your protagonist is trying to accomplish is important.

But understanding why they want it—and what they might need to learn along the way?

That’s where character development gets really interesting.

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:

What’s the biggest obstacle standing between your protagonist and their goal? 👀🔥

Is it a villain?

A rival?

Society?

A complicated relationship?

Or is your protagonist their own worst enemy?

Tell me in the comments!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

Your protagonist might be the star of your novel, but the characters surrounding them can make their journey unforgettable. Today, we’re developing supporting characters, antagonists, and the relationships that bring our stories to life!

Welcome back to Day 9 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’re officially nine days into our 31-day novel-planning challenge!

And yesterday, we accomplished something pretty exciting.

We created our protagonist character sheets! 🎉

We explored our main characters’ personalities, values, strengths, flaws, and the ways they respond to conflict.

But today?

We’re expanding our cast!

Because while our protagonists might be at the center of our stories, they certainly don’t exist in a vacuum.

They have friends.

Family members.

Love interests.

Rivals.

Enemies.

And sometimes, that one chaotic supporting character who seems determined to steal every single scene. 😂

Today, we’re talking about how to create compelling supporting characters and antagonists who make our novels even more interesting.

Why Supporting Characters Matter

Think about some of your favorite books.

Chances are, you don’t just remember the protagonist.

You remember their best friend.

Their love interest.

Their mentor.

Their rival.

Or that wonderfully complicated character who made everything ten times more difficult than it needed to be.

And that’s because great supporting characters do more than simply exist in the background.

They influence the protagonist’s decisions.

They challenge their beliefs.

They create conflict.

They offer support.

And sometimes, they force our protagonists to confront things they’d much rather avoid.

A well-developed supporting cast can make a fictional world feel more believable and emotionally engaging.

But here’s something important to remember:

Every supporting character doesn’t need an elaborate backstory or their own subplot.

What matters is understanding why they’re part of the story.

So today, we’re going to start with a simple question.

What does each character contribute to your protagonist’s journey?

Step 1: Identify Each Character’s Role

First things first, grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn back to the Your Characters section.

Yesterday, we focused on our protagonists.

Today, we’re using the same character sheet to get to know the other important people in our stories.

Start by looking at the supporting characters you identified on Day 7.

Who are they?

And what role do they play?

Maybe you have a best friend who provides emotional support.

A mentor who challenges your protagonist to grow.

A love interest who brings out a different side of their personality.

A rival whose goals directly conflict with theirs.

Or a family member who creates additional pressure.

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

A character can serve more than one role.

A best friend might also be a rival.

A mentor might be hiding an important secret.

A love interest might challenge everything your protagonist believes about themselves.

And a family member might simultaneously be someone your protagonist loves and someone they desperately want to escape.

Those complicated relationships can create wonderful opportunities for conflict and character development!

Step 2: Give Your Supporting Characters Their Own Goals

Here’s something I really want you to think about.

Your supporting characters should have lives beyond your protagonist.

They should want things.

They should have opinions.

They should make decisions.

And sometimes, those decisions should have absolutely nothing to do with what your protagonist wants. 😂

For example, imagine you’re writing a contemporary romance.

Your protagonist’s best friend might be incredibly supportive of their relationship.

But maybe that best friend is also considering moving across the country for a new job.

Suddenly, they have their own goal.

Their own conflict.

And a decision that could affect their relationship with the protagonist.

That doesn’t mean you need to turn the best friend’s storyline into an enormous subplot.

But giving them an independent motivation makes them feel more like a real person.

So ask yourself:

What does this character want, and how might that desire affect the story?

And remember, their goals don’t always have to align with your protagonist’s.

Sometimes the most interesting relationships come from characters who genuinely care about each other but want completely different things.

Step 3: Develop Your Antagonist

Now we’re getting to one of my favorite parts of character development.

The antagonist! 😈

Because what would a story be without someone—or something—making life difficult for our protagonist?

But before we go any further, I want to clarify something.

An antagonist doesn’t necessarily have to be a villain.

An antagonist is whoever or whatever opposes your protagonist’s goal.

That could be a traditional villain.

A rival.

A competing love interest.

A family member.

An institution.

Or even a larger social system.

And sometimes, the most significant obstacles come from your protagonist’s own beliefs and decisions.

But if your story does have a character serving as the primary antagonist, I want you to think about something important.

What does your antagonist want?

Because just like your protagonist, your antagonist should have motivations.

Maybe they want power.

Recognition.

Security.

Revenge.

Love.

Or simply to protect something they believe is important.

And here’s where things get really interesting.

Your antagonist might genuinely believe they’re doing the right thing.

They might see themselves as the hero of their own story.

They might believe their actions are justified.

Or they might be pursuing a goal that makes perfect sense from their perspective, even if their methods are harmful.

Understanding their motivations can help you create more believable and compelling conflict.

Because when your protagonist and antagonist have opposing goals, their choices naturally create tension.

Step 4: Give Your Antagonist Strengths AND Flaws

Now, here’s something I think can make an antagonist especially interesting.

Don’t make them evil just for the sake of being evil.

Of course, some stories call for truly terrifying villains!

But even then, it helps to understand what makes them effective.

What are their strengths?

Are they intelligent?

Charismatic?

Patient?

Resourceful?

Do they understand people particularly well?

And what about their flaws?

Are they arrogant?

Controlling?

Impulsive?

Overconfident?

Do they underestimate others?

Maybe their greatest strength is also their greatest weakness.

For example, an antagonist who’s incredibly strategic might struggle when events don’t go according to plan.

Or someone who’s obsessed with maintaining control might make increasingly reckless decisions when they begin losing it.

These traits can influence how your antagonist responds to the protagonist’s actions.

And remember…

Your antagonist should be capable of creating meaningful obstacles.

If your protagonist can overcome them without much difficulty, the central conflict might not feel particularly compelling.

Step 5: Think About Character Relationships

Now that we’ve started developing our supporting characters and antagonists, let’s talk about something that can make our stories really come alive.

Relationships! 💕

Because sometimes, the most memorable moments in a novel aren’t enormous battles or shocking plot twists.

They’re conversations.

Arguments.

Quiet moments of understanding.

Unexpected acts of kindness.

Or those absolutely devastating betrayals that make readers stare at the page in disbelief.

And all of those moments become more powerful when we understand the relationships between our characters.

So ask yourself:

• How does this character feel about the protagonist?
• What does the protagonist think about them?
• Do they trust each other?
• Do they have conflicting goals or values?
• What might cause their relationship to change?

And here’s another question I love:

What side of your protagonist does this character bring out?

Maybe your protagonist is confident around their friends but insecure around their family.

Maybe they’re patient with a younger sibling but incredibly competitive with a rival.

Or maybe a particular character challenges them to become someone better.

Those different dynamics can reveal aspects of your protagonist’s personality that we might not see otherwise.

Let’s Look at an Example: Pride and Prejudice 💕

Since we’ve been using Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen throughout this series, let’s look at some of its supporting characters and antagonistic influences.

One of the things I love about Pride and Prejudice is that its supporting cast isn’t simply there to fill space.

Each character contributes something meaningful to the story’s conflicts and themes.

Jane Bennet: The Loving Sister

Jane is Elizabeth Bennet’s older sister and one of her closest confidantes.

She’s kind, gentle, and inclined to see the best in people.

And in many ways, her personality contrasts with Elizabeth’s.

Where Elizabeth is quick to form judgments, Jane tends to be more forgiving.

Their relationship gives readers a deeper understanding of Elizabeth’s personality while also exploring different approaches to love and trust.

Charlotte Lucas: A Different Perspective on Marriage

Charlotte Lucas is one of my favorite examples of a supporting character who challenges the protagonist’s worldview.

Charlotte approaches marriage pragmatically.

She understands the importance of financial security and social stability.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, places greater importance on affection and personal happiness.

Neither character needs to be a villain for their differing perspectives to create meaningful tension.

Their disagreement helps explore one of the novel’s central themes: marriage and the expectations placed on women.

Mr. Wickham: The Charming Deceiver

Now, let’s talk about Wickham.

Wickham initially presents himself as charming, friendly, and trustworthy.

But his behavior and misleading account of his history with Darcy contribute to Elizabeth’s mistaken judgments.

He’s particularly interesting because he reinforces Elizabeth’s existing prejudices.

And that creates conflict not only between characters but also within Elizabeth’s own emotional journey.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Social Pressure and Power

Lady Catherine represents many of the rigid social expectations that Elizabeth resists.

She’s wealthy, influential, and accustomed to having her opinions respected.

And when she attempts to interfere with Elizabeth’s relationship with Darcy, she becomes a direct obstacle to Elizabeth’s happiness.

Her role also helps highlight Elizabeth’s independence and willingness to stand up for herself.

Mr. Darcy: A Complicated Romantic Counterpart

And, of course, we can’t forget Mr. Darcy!

While Darcy is Elizabeth’s romantic counterpart, he also creates significant conflict throughout the novel.

Their initial misunderstandings, pride, and prejudices make it difficult for them to understand one another.

But as their relationship develops, both characters are forced to reconsider their assumptions.

And that’s what makes their romance so satisfying.

Their relationship creates conflict AND drives character growth.

Notice how each of these characters contributes something different?

Some challenge Elizabeth’s beliefs.

Some create external obstacles.

Some offer contrasting perspectives.

And others influence her emotional journey.

That’s what makes the supporting cast feel purposeful!

Step 6: Don’t Overcomplicate Your Character Sheets

Now, here’s your friendly reminder for today.

You do NOT need to create a ten-page character profile for every person who appears in your novel. 😂

If a character only appears briefly, you might only need a name and a few basic details.

If they’re an important supporting character, you might want to explore their personality, motivations, and relationship with the protagonist.

And if they’re your primary antagonist?

You may want to spend a little more time understanding their goals, strengths, flaws, and the reasons behind their actions.

The point is to focus your energy where it matters most.

Because remember…

We’re not trying to turn Preptober into a second full-time job!

We’re creating tools that will help us write our novels with more confidence.

And if you discover something new about a character while drafting?

You can always update their profile later.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your Preptober 2026 E-Guide and return to the Your Characters section.

Today, we’re building profiles for our important supporting characters and antagonists!

Choose two or three characters to start with.

For each one, think about:

1. Their role: Why are they important to the story?
2. Their personality: What makes them unique?
3. Their goal: What do they want?
4. Their conflict: What stands in their way?
5. Their relationship with the protagonist: How do they influence the main character’s journey?

If you’re developing a primary antagonist, spend a little extra time exploring their motivations.

And don’t worry if you don’t know every answer yet!

You can always come back and fill in the gaps as your story develops.

The goal isn’t to know everything about every character. It’s to understand the people who will help bring your story to life.

Follow Along With Preptober 2026! 🎃📖

If you’re just joining us, welcome!

Throughout October, I’m sharing 31 daily YouTube videos to help writers plan their novels and prepare for Novel November.

We’re working through my free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, one section at a time.

And whether you’re a dedicated plotter, a proud pantser, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome to join us!

You don’t need every character figured out.

You don’t need perfect character sheets.

And you definitely don’t need to know the entire family history of a character who appears for approximately three paragraphs. 😂

Unless, of course, that’s important to your story!

We’re keeping things simple, practical, and focused on helping you actually write your novel.

Coming Up: Goal, Conflict & Stakes! 🔥

Next, we’re moving on to Day 10 of Preptober 2026, and we’re talking about three of the most important elements of storytelling.

Goal. Conflict. Stakes.

What does your protagonist want?

What’s standing in their way?

And what happens if they fail?

Because now that we’ve developed our characters…

It’s time to start making their lives a little more complicated! 😂

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:

Which supporting character is most likely to steal the spotlight in your novel? 👀💕

Is it the chaotic best friend?

The mysterious love interest?

The morally gray antagonist?

Or someone you originally thought would only appear for one chapter?

Tell me in the comments!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️