Tag: Preptober

You know how your novel begins.

You might even know EXACTLY how it ends.

But everything that happens in between?

Crickets. 🦗😂

Welcome back to Day 19 of Preptober 2026!

Yesterday, we started mapping out the beginning of our novels. We figured out where our protagonists start, what disrupts their ordinary worlds, and what major turning point launches them into the central conflict.

Today, we’re tackling something that can feel a little scary.

THE MIDDLE OF OUR NOVELS!

You know, that big stretch of story where our protagonists make questionable decisions, everything starts going wrong, and we, as writers, occasionally wonder why we decided to write a book in the first place. 😂

But here’s the good news.

Your middle doesn’t have to be a confusing collection of random scenes that somehow connect your opening to your ending.

With a little planning, you can create a middle that builds tension, develops your characters, and keeps readers turning the pages.

And we’re going to figure out how to do exactly that!

Grab your notebook, your favorite writing drink (my personal fave is a pumpkin spice tea), and let’s get plotting! 🎃✍️

Why Is the Middle of a Novel So Difficult to Write?

Let’s talk about the dreaded sagging middle.

If you’ve ever written a novel before, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.

You start writing with SO MUCH excitement.

Your opening chapters practically write themselves. You’re introducing your characters, establishing the world, and setting up all those delicious conflicts.

And then you reach the middle.

Suddenly, you’re staring at your manuscript wondering:

• What happens next?
• How do I keep the story interesting?
• Why does everything feel like it’s moving SO SLOWLY?
• How do I get my characters from HERE to THERE?
• Do I actually need this scene, or am I just avoiding the next big plot point? 😂

Sound familiar?

One reason the middle can be so challenging is that it has an enormous job to do.

Your beginning introduces the story.

Your ending resolves it.

But your middle?

Your middle has to CHANGE everything.

It’s where your protagonist pursues their goal, encounters increasingly difficult obstacles, forms and breaks relationships, makes mistakes, and begins questioning what they believe about themselves and the world.

And most importantly?

The person who enters the middle of your novel shouldn’t be exactly the same person who comes out of it.

That’s what we’re working toward today.

Step 1: Remember What Your Protagonist Wants

Before we start brainstorming dramatic plot twists and devastating betrayals, let’s return to something we discussed earlier in Preptober.

Your protagonist’s goal.

Back on Day 10, we explored goal, conflict, and stakes.

Those three elements are going to be especially important when we’re plotting the middle of our stories.

Ask yourself:

What does my protagonist WANT?

Maybe they want to win a competition.

Maybe they want to save their family.

Maybe they want to solve a mystery, find love, escape their hometown, or prove themselves worthy of something.

Whatever their goal, it should help give the middle of your novel direction.

Because here’s the thing:

Your middle isn’t just a collection of things happening TO your protagonist.

It’s a series of events that unfold as your protagonist tries to accomplish something.

They make decisions.

Those decisions create consequences.

Those consequences force them to make even MORE decisions.

And suddenly?

You have a story that’s moving forward!

For example, imagine you’re writing a contemporary romance about a woman trying to save her family’s struggling bookstore.

Her goal is straightforward: keep the bookstore open.

But what happens when she discovers that the building’s new owner plans to sell it?

What happens when she starts developing feelings for someone involved in the sale?

And what happens when saving the bookstore might mean sacrificing something else she desperately wants?

Now we’re getting somewhere! 👀💕

Each complication connects to her goal, but it also forces her to confront increasingly difficult choices.

That’s what makes a middle interesting.

Step 2: Give Your Protagonist Obstacles That Actually Matter

Let’s talk about CONFLICT! 🔥

Your protagonist shouldn’t be able to accomplish their goal immediately.

If they could, we wouldn’t have much of a novel, would we? 😂

But here’s something important to remember:

Not every obstacle needs to be bigger or louder than the last.

Sometimes, the most effective obstacles are emotional.

A character loses someone’s trust.

A secret comes to light.

An important relationship becomes strained.

Your protagonist realizes that getting what they want might cost them something they value.

The key is that each obstacle should complicate their journey.

Let’s return to our bookstore example.

Our protagonist might encounter several obstacles:

1. Financial trouble: The bookstore has more debt than she realized.
2. A difficult partnership: The only person willing to help has completely different ideas about the business.
3. A personal complication: She develops feelings for someone whose plans threaten the store.
4. A painful discovery: Saving the bookstore might require letting go of the way her family always ran it.

Notice how these obstacles aren’t all the same?

Some are practical.

Some are relational.

Some are emotional.

And each one forces our protagonist to reconsider her approach.

That’s what we want!

A Quick Plotting Exercise

Write down three to five obstacles your protagonist might encounter during the middle of your novel.

For each one, ask:

• How does this make achieving their goal more difficult?
• What decision does this obstacle force them to make?
• What happens because of that decision?
• Does this challenge something they believe about themselves?

You don’t need to know exactly which chapter each obstacle belongs in.

Not yet!

Right now, we’re just identifying possibilities.

Step 3: Make Things Progressively More Complicated

One of the easiest ways to lose momentum in the middle of a novel is to have your protagonist encounter a problem, solve it, and then move on to another completely unrelated problem.

Over.

And over.

And over again.

Eventually, the story can start feeling like a series of side quests rather than one connected journey.

So here’s a plotting question I want you to keep in mind:

HOW DOES THIS PROBLEM CREATE THE NEXT PROBLEM?

Maybe your protagonist solves one issue but accidentally makes another one worse.

Maybe they get exactly what they wanted, only to discover that it comes with consequences they never anticipated.

Or maybe their attempt to protect someone actually damages the relationship they’re trying to save.

See where I’m going with this?

We’re looking for cause and effect.

Instead of:

This happens. And then this happens. And then this happens.

Try thinking:

This happens, SO my protagonist does this. BUT that decision causes this new problem.

Suddenly, your plot begins to feel connected.

And those connections are what help keep readers invested.

Don’t Forget the Stakes!

As your protagonist moves through the middle, the stakes should become clearer or more pressing.

At the beginning of the story, they might understand what they want.

But by the middle?

They should have a much better understanding of what they could LOSE.

And sometimes, that realization is far more frightening than the original conflict.

Step 4: Find Your MIDPOINT! 👀🔥

Okay, you guys.

Let’s talk about one of my FAVORITE story beats.

THE MIDPOINT!

We briefly introduced this yesterday when discussing our major story beats.

Now it’s time to explore what it actually does.

Your midpoint is a significant event near the center of your story that changes your protagonist’s understanding of their situation, their approach to the conflict, or both.

Think of it as the moment when the story shifts.

Maybe your protagonist discovers an important secret.

Maybe they achieve what seems like a major victory.

Maybe they experience a devastating defeat.

Maybe they realize that the person they’ve been fighting against isn’t who they thought.

Or maybe they finally get something they’ve wanted, only to discover it doesn’t make them happy.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

But here’s the important part:

Your midpoint should change what happens NEXT.

It isn’t simply a dramatic scene that happens halfway through your book.

It should have consequences.

Ask Yourself These Questions

When brainstorming your midpoint, consider:

• What important truth does my protagonist discover?
• How does this change their understanding of the conflict?
• Does their original goal still make sense?
• What new problem does this revelation create?
• How might this moment challenge their false belief?

And don’t worry if you don’t have a perfectly developed midpoint just yet.

Sometimes, knowing the TYPE of change you want is enough.

You can figure out the specifics as you continue outlining.

Step 5: Connect Your Midpoint to Your Character’s Emotional Journey

Remember when we spent time developing our protagonists?

We explored their wants, needs, and false beliefs.

Well, guess what?

ALL OF THAT WORK IS ABOUT TO PAY OFF! 🎉

Your midpoint is a great opportunity to challenge how your protagonist sees the world.

Let’s say your protagonist begins the novel believing:

I have to do everything myself because relying on other people makes me weak.

Throughout the first half of the story, that belief might seem to serve them well.

They solve problems independently.

They refuse help.

They pride themselves on being capable.

But what happens when their refusal to trust someone causes a major failure?

What happens when they discover that the person they pushed away was the one person who could have helped?

Now their false belief is being challenged.

And that’s where things get interesting.

Because your protagonist doesn’t necessarily have to change their mind immediately.

In fact, they might DOUBLE DOWN on that belief!

They might become even more stubborn.

They might push people away harder.

They might convince themselves that they were right all along.

And those choices can create even more conflict as the story moves toward its darkest moment.

Your external plot and internal character arc should influence one another.

The events of the story challenge your protagonist.

Your protagonist responds according to their beliefs.

And those responses shape what happens next.

That’s how plot and character development begin working together.

Step 6: Don’t Forget About Your Supporting Characters

Here’s something else to consider.

Your protagonist isn’t the only person who should be doing things during the middle of your novel.

Your supporting characters have goals, motivations, and conflicts of their own!

And those goals don’t always align with your protagonist’s.

A best friend might disagree with an important decision.

A love interest might be hiding something.

A family member might unintentionally make an already difficult situation worse.

An antagonist might exploit your protagonist’s mistakes.

These relationships can create wonderful opportunities for conflict.

But they can also deepen your story emotionally.

Ask yourself:

How do the people surrounding my protagonist complicate their journey?

And just as importantly:

How do those relationships help my protagonist grow?

You don’t need to give every supporting character an elaborate subplot.

But the important people in your story should feel like they have lives and motivations beyond simply helping your protagonist accomplish their goal.

Step 7: Watch Out for the Sagging Middle!

Okay.

Let’s say you’ve brainstormed several obstacles, identified your midpoint, and started connecting everything to your character’s emotional journey.

How do you know whether your middle is actually working?

Here’s a simple test.

Look at a scene you’re considering and ask:

WHAT CHANGES BECAUSE OF THIS SCENE?

Does your protagonist make an important decision?

Does a relationship develop or deteriorate?

Does new information change the situation?

Do the stakes increase?

Does the scene create a problem that will matter later?

If the answer is yes, you’re probably giving that scene a meaningful purpose.

But if absolutely nothing changes?

You might want to reconsider why the scene needs to be there.

This doesn’t mean every scene needs a dramatic plot twist.

Please don’t feel like you need an explosion, betrayal, or shocking revelation every five pages. 😂

Quiet scenes matter, too!

A meaningful conversation can change a relationship.

A moment of vulnerability can reveal a character’s true needs.

A small decision can lead to enormous consequences later.

The key is that your scenes move the story forward.

Momentum isn’t always about moving faster. Sometimes, it’s about making every moment matter.

Step 8: Start Building Toward Your Darkest Moment

Before we wrap up, I want you to think about one more thing.

Where is all this conflict LEADING?

Eventually, your protagonist will reach a point where everything they’ve been working toward feels like it’s falling apart.

Their darkest moment.

We’ll explore this in more detail tomorrow when we map the ending of our novels.

But for now, I want you to consider how the events of your middle might lead to that moment.

Maybe your protagonist’s biggest mistake finally catches up with them.

Maybe an important relationship breaks down.

Maybe the antagonist gains the upper hand.

Maybe your protagonist achieves their original goal but realizes they’ve sacrificed something more important.

Whatever happens, try to connect it to the decisions and conflicts you’ve already established.

Your darkest moment will feel much more powerful if readers can look back and understand how your protagonist arrived there.

And that’s why we’re spending time developing the middle!

We’re not just filling pages between the beginning and ending.

We’re building the consequences that make the ending MATTER.

✍️ Today’s Preptober E-Guide Exercise: Map the Middle of Your Novel

All right, writers!

Grab your FREE Preptober 2026 E-Guide and start brainstorming!

Today, we’re returning to the Story Beats section on page 18, along with the brainstorming space on page 19.

We’re going to focus on the events that happen between your Act I turning point and your Act II turning point.

Part 1: Brainstorm Your Obstacles

Write down three to five obstacles your protagonist might encounter.

Think about:

• External problems standing between them and their goal.
• Relationships that complicate their decisions.
• Mistakes that create unexpected consequences.
• Situations that challenge their false beliefs.

Don’t worry about putting everything in the perfect order yet!

Part 2: Identify Your Midpoint

Complete this sentence:

“Halfway through my novel, my protagonist discovers/experiences __________, which changes __________.”

Maybe they discover a secret.

Maybe they experience a major victory or defeat.

Maybe they realize their original understanding of the conflict was wrong.

Whatever you choose, ask yourself how that event changes the direction of your story.

Part 3: Explore the Consequences

Now brainstorm two or three things that happen BECAUSE of your midpoint.

What new decisions does your protagonist make?

What new problems emerge?

How do the stakes change?

Remember: We’re looking for cause and effect!

Part 4: Connect Your Character Arc

Ask yourself:

“How does the middle of my novel challenge what my protagonist believes about themselves or the world?”

You don’t need a perfect answer.

Just start exploring the possibilities.

Part 5: Look Toward the Darkest Moment

Finally, consider:

“What could happen near the end of Act II that makes my protagonist feel like they’ve lost everything?”

You don’t have to develop this moment completely today.

We’re simply beginning to connect the dots.

And tomorrow, we’ll dive deeper into how to bring everything together!

Your goal today isn’t to outline every chapter of Act II.

It’s to understand the major events, complications, and emotional changes that move your story forward.

That’s it!

Remember: Your Middle Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Before you close your notebook today, I want to leave you with one reminder.

You are PLANNING your novel. You’re not writing the final version of it.

You don’t need to know every scene.

You don’t need to have every subplot figured out.

And you definitely don’t need to know exactly how your characters will respond to every obstacle.

Some of those discoveries will happen while you’re drafting.

And that’s part of the magic of writing!

Your outline is giving you a direction to move toward.

It helps you identify the moments that matter, so when November arrives, you’re not staring at a blank page, wondering what happens next.

And even if your characters decide to completely ignore your outline halfway through the manuscript?

Well…

Welcome to being a writer. 😂💕

🎥 Follow Along With Preptober 2026!

If you’re just joining us, WELCOME!

I’m spending all 31 days of October helping writers prepare for Novel November through my FREE Preptober 2026 YouTube series and companion E-Guide.

We’ll cover everything from brainstorming and character development to worldbuilding, plotting, outlining, writing goals, and routines.

And the best part?

It’s never too late to start!

You can follow along at your own pace, skip the exercises that don’t serve your story, and come back whenever you need a little guidance.

Coming Tomorrow: Day 20 — Map the Ending! 🎉

Tomorrow, we’ll tackle the FINAL major section of our story structure.

THE ENDING!

We’ll explore:

• 💔 Your protagonist’s darkest moment.
• ⚔️ The climax where everything comes together.
• 💕 The resolution that gives readers a satisfying conclusion.
• 📖 How to connect your ending to the emotional journey you’ve been developing.

And don’t worry!

You don’t have to know exactly how your novel ends to join us.

We’ll figure it out together.

Now I want to hear from YOU!

What’s the biggest challenge you face when writing the middle of a novel?

Is it figuring out what happens next, keeping the pacing interesting, developing your midpoint, or connecting all those random scenes floating around in your head? 😂

Let me know in the comments!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

Every great story starts somewhere! Today, we’re taking our big story ideas and figuring out how to turn them into a compelling beginning. Let’s map out Act I of our novels together!

Welcome back to Day 18 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’re officially PLOTTING our novels!

And I don’t know about you, but this is the part of Preptober where everything starts feeling REAL. 🥹💕

For the past seventeen days, we’ve been brainstorming ideas, developing characters, building fictional worlds, and figuring out what makes our stories worth telling.

And yesterday?

We identified the BIG moments in our novels!

Our openings.

Inciting incidents.

Turning points.

Midpoints.

Darkest moments.

Climaxes.

And resolutions!

But today, we’re going to start connecting those dots.

And we’re starting with the very beginning.

ACT I! 🎉

Because before we can send our protagonists on incredible adventures, make them fall hopelessly in love, or completely destroy their lives for the sake of character development…

We need to figure out where their stories begin. 😂

Today, we’re mapping out the opening portion of our novels.

And don’t worry!

We’re not outlining every single chapter just yet.

We’re simply figuring out the important events that will introduce our protagonists, establish their conflicts, and launch them into the main story.

So grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, because we’ve got a novel to plan!

What Is Act I of a Novel?

Let’s start with the basics.

Most traditional three-act story structures divide a novel into three major sections:

Act I: The Beginning

Act II: The Middle

Act III: The Ending

And today, we’re focusing on that first section.

Act I introduces readers to our protagonist and the world they inhabit.

It establishes the circumstances of their everyday life.

It gives readers a reason to care about them.

And eventually, something happens that changes everything.

The purpose of Act I is to move our protagonist from their starting situation into the central conflict of the story.

Now, here’s something important.

Act I doesn’t have to be an enormous section filled with elaborate explanations about your fictional world.

And you don’t need to introduce every single character, location, or subplot immediately.

In fact, trying to explain EVERYTHING in the beginning can sometimes overwhelm readers.

Instead, we want to focus on the details that matter most.

Who is our protagonist?

What do they want?

What is their life like?

What’s missing?

What changes?

And why can’t things simply go back to the way they were?

Those questions will help us create a strong foundation for the rest of our novels.

Step 1: Establish Your Protagonist’s Ordinary World 🌎

Before everything changes, we need to understand where our protagonist is starting.

This is sometimes called the ordinary world.

And no, that doesn’t mean their life has to be ordinary! 😂

If you’re writing fantasy, your protagonist might live in a world filled with dragons and magic.

If you’re writing science fiction, they might spend their days aboard a spaceship.

If you’re writing contemporary romance, they might be juggling a demanding career and a complicated family.

Whatever their circumstances, this is their version of normal.

And we want readers to understand it.

Think back to our earlier Preptober exercises.

On Day 7, we identified the key players in our stories.

On Day 8, we developed our protagonists.

On Day 10, we explored their goals, conflicts, and stakes.

And on Day 11, we looked at their wants, needs, and false beliefs.

Now we’re going to use that information!

Your protagonist’s ordinary world should help establish who they are before the central story begins changing them.

Maybe your protagonist is completely satisfied with their life.

Maybe they’re desperately unhappy.

Maybe they’re convinced they have everything figured out.

Or maybe they know something is missing but haven’t figured out what it is.

All of those possibilities can create interesting starting points.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What does my protagonist’s everyday life look like?
• What do they want at the beginning of the novel?
• What relationships are important to them?
• What are they unhappy or dissatisfied with?
• What false belief influences their decisions?
• What is one thing about their life that readers need to understand?

And here’s my favorite question:

What is my protagonist about to lose, gain, or have challenged?

Because the answer can help you identify what needs to be established before the story changes.

Step 2: Introduce the Conflict Before Everything Explodes 🔥

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

Your novel doesn’t necessarily have to begin with an enormous, dramatic event.

Sometimes, it’s more effective to establish that something isn’t quite right.

Maybe your protagonist feels trapped in a situation they can’t escape.

Maybe they’re pursuing a goal that seems impossible.

Maybe there’s tension in an important relationship.

Or maybe they have a problem they’ve been avoiding for years.

These early tensions can help prepare readers for the inciting incident.

For example, imagine a contemporary romance about someone who desperately wants to open a bakery.

At the beginning of the novel, they’re working a job they don’t enjoy.

They’re saving money.

And they’re convinced that opening their own business is the only way they’ll finally feel successful.

Now, imagine they receive an unexpected opportunity to take over a struggling bakery.

That opportunity becomes much more meaningful because we’ve already established what they want.

The inciting incident matters more when readers understand why it matters to the protagonist.

And that’s why the opening portion of Act I is so important.

We’re not simply introducing a character.

We’re establishing the circumstances that make the coming events meaningful.

Step 3: Identify Your Inciting Incident 👀

Okay, you guys.

THIS is where things start getting interesting!

The inciting incident is the event that disrupts our protagonist’s existing situation and sets the central story in motion.

Something happens.

And suddenly, life can’t continue exactly as it did before.

Maybe your protagonist receives an unexpected invitation.

Discovers an important secret.

Meets someone who challenges everything they believe.

Loses their job.

Or finds themselves facing a problem they can no longer ignore.

Whatever happens, the inciting incident creates change.

And that change demands a response.

Think about your protagonist’s goal.

What do they want?

And what event forces them to take action?

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What happens that disrupts my protagonist’s life?
• Why does this event matter to them?
• How do they initially react?
• What new problem or opportunity does it introduce?
• What might happen if they ignore it?

Now, here’s something important.

Your inciting incident doesn’t have to be the biggest event in your novel.

It simply needs to be significant enough to set the story in motion.

Sometimes, a single conversation changes everything.

Sometimes, meeting one person changes the direction of an entire life.

And sometimes, a seemingly small decision creates consequences nobody could have predicted.

That’s the beauty of storytelling!

Step 4: Give Your Protagonist a Reason to Get Involved 💕

Now that something has disrupted our protagonist’s life, we need to think about how they respond.

Because not every protagonist immediately embraces change.

Some characters jump at the opportunity for adventure.

Others resist it with everything they’ve got.

And honestly?

I LOVE a reluctant protagonist. 😂

Maybe your character doesn’t want to leave home.

Maybe they don’t trust the person asking for help.

Maybe they’re afraid of failing.

Or maybe accepting the opportunity means confronting something they’ve spent years avoiding.

Whatever their response, we want to understand their motivation.

Why does your protagonist eventually become involved in the central conflict?

This is where your character’s wants, needs, and false beliefs can become especially useful.

Maybe they accept a challenge because they desperately want to prove themselves.

Maybe they refuse an opportunity because they believe they can’t succeed.

Or maybe they take action because someone they love is in danger.

Their decision should make sense based on who they are at the beginning of the story.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Does my protagonist initially accept or resist the change?
• What motivates their response?
• What are they afraid of?
• What do they hope to gain?
• What would make them reconsider their decision?

And remember…

The way your protagonist responds to the inciting incident can reveal a LOT about their personality.

This is a wonderful opportunity to show readers who your character is through their actions.

Step 5: Build Toward Your Act I Turning Point 🚪

Now we’ve reached the moment that launches our protagonist into the main story.

The Act I turning point!

This is where our protagonist commits to a new course of action or enters circumstances that significantly change their direction.

Maybe they decide to leave home.

Accept a dangerous assignment.

Enter a competition.

Agree to an unexpected arrangement.

Or make a decision that changes an important relationship.

Sometimes this turning point is a deliberate choice.

Other times, circumstances force the protagonist into a situation they didn’t choose.

Either way, something important changes.

The Act I turning point moves our protagonist out of their starting situation and into the central conflict.

And ideally, it creates a sense of momentum.

Readers should want to know what happens next!

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What major decision or event ends Act I?
• What does my protagonist commit to?
• What changes because of this moment?
• Why can’t they simply return to their previous circumstances?
• What new challenges await them?

Here’s a little tip.

If you’re struggling to identify your Act I turning point, ask yourself:

What moment makes the central story impossible to avoid?

That question can help you find the event that pushes your protagonist forward.

Step 6: Make Sure Your Beginning Creates Momentum

Okay, let’s talk about something that can be especially challenging when writing the beginning of a novel.

PACING! 😂

Because it’s incredibly tempting to spend the first several chapters explaining everything about our fictional worlds.

We want readers to understand the history.

The magic system.

The family relationships.

The political structure.

The protagonist’s childhood.

And every single detail we’ve spent the past two weeks developing.

But here’s the thing.

Readers don’t need to know everything immediately.

They need enough information to understand what’s happening and why they should care.

That’s it!

You can reveal additional details as the story progresses.

In fact, sometimes it’s more interesting to let readers discover your world through your protagonist’s experiences.

Instead of explaining an entire social hierarchy, show how it affects your character.

Instead of describing every rule of a magic system, show one rule creating a problem.

Instead of providing a complete family history, show a conversation that reveals an important relationship.

Worldbuilding is especially effective when it shapes what happens in the story.

And remember…

Your opening doesn’t need constant action to feel engaging.

Quiet scenes can be compelling, too.

What matters is that something meaningful is happening.

Maybe the protagonist makes a decision.

Maybe a relationship changes.

Maybe a question is introduced.

Or maybe readers discover something that makes them want to keep turning the pages.

A Quick Pacing Check

Look at the events you’ve planned for Act I and ask yourself:

Does each important moment accomplish something?

Does it reveal character?

Establish conflict?

Develop a relationship?

Introduce a meaningful question?

Or move the story toward the Act I turning point?

If the answer is yes, you’re building momentum!

And if something feels unnecessary?

You can always revisit it later.

Remember, we’re still planning.

Nothing is set in stone!

What If Your Beginning Feels Too Slow?

Now, let’s address something that I think a LOT of writers worry about.

What if your opening feels boring?

What if it takes too long for something interesting to happen?

Or what if you’re not sure where your story should actually begin?

First of all, remember that we’re still in the planning stage.

You don’t need to solve every pacing problem today.

But here are a few questions that might help.

Are You Starting Too Early?

Sometimes we begin our novels long before the central conflict starts.

Maybe we’re spending several chapters establishing our protagonist’s routine.

Or explaining events that happened years before the story begins.

While those details might matter to you as the writer, readers may not need to experience all of them.

Ask yourself:

Could my story begin closer to the event that changes everything?

Sometimes moving the opening forward creates immediate momentum.

Are You Introducing Too Much Information?

Remember all that worldbuilding we just did?

Well, we don’t need to put ALL of it in Chapter One! 😂

Focus on what readers need to understand right now.

You can introduce additional information naturally throughout the story.

Does Your Protagonist Have Something They Want?

Even before the inciting incident, your protagonist should have motivations.

Maybe they’re trying to accomplish something small.

Maybe they’re avoiding a difficult conversation.

Or maybe they’re pursuing a goal that will eventually collide with the central conflict.

A character who wants something gives readers a reason to pay attention.

Is Something Changing?

Not every scene needs a dramatic revelation.

But meaningful change helps create momentum.

Maybe a character learns something new.

Maybe a relationship shifts.

Maybe a decision introduces consequences.

Or maybe a new question makes readers curious about what happens next.

Those changes can help keep your beginning engaging.

What If You Don’t Know How Your Novel Starts?

Okay, here’s another important reminder.

You do NOT need to have the perfect opening figured out before November 1st.

Maybe you know your inciting incident.

But you’re not sure what happens beforehand.

Maybe you know your Act I turning point.

But you’re struggling to decide where the story should begin.

Or maybe you have three completely different opening ideas.

That’s okay!

Write them down.

Experiment.

And give yourself permission to change your mind.

You can even start drafting a scene you already know and return to the opening later.

There’s no rule that says you must write your novel in chronological order.

And there’s definitely no rule that says your first attempt at Chapter One has to be perfect.

The purpose of Preptober is to help you feel prepared—not to eliminate every uncertainty.

Sometimes the best way to discover your opening is to start writing.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn back to your Story Beats section.

Today, we’re expanding on the beginning of our novels.

And remember…

We’re NOT outlining every chapter yet!

We’re simply mapping the important events that will make up Act I.

Spend about 15–20 minutes working through these steps.

Step 1: Establish Your Opening

Write down a few sentences describing your protagonist’s starting situation.

Who are they?

What does their life look like?

What do they want?

And what isn’t quite right?

Step 2: Identify Your Inciting Incident

Write down the event that disrupts their life.

What happens?

Why does it matter?

And how does your protagonist respond?

Step 3: Explore Their Initial Reaction

Does your protagonist embrace the change?

Resist it?

Try to ignore it?

Or make a decision that creates even more complications?

Think about how their personality and false beliefs might influence their response.

Step 4: Identify Your Act I Turning Point

What major decision or event launches your protagonist into the central conflict?

What changes?

And why can’t things simply return to the way they were?

Step 5: Connect the Dots

Now, look at those major moments and ask yourself:

What needs to happen between them?

You don’t need a complete scene-by-scene outline.

Just jot down a few possibilities.

Maybe a character needs to be introduced.

Maybe an important relationship needs to develop.

Or maybe your protagonist needs to encounter an obstacle that influences their next decision.

These ideas will become especially useful when we start outlining our chapters later this month!

Bonus Exercise: The One-Sentence Act I Summary

Try completing this sentence:

At the beginning of my novel, [PROTAGONIST] is [STARTING SITUATION], but when [INCITING INCIDENT] happens, they must [IMPORTANT DECISION OR ACTION], leading them into [CENTRAL CONFLICT].

Don’t worry about making it sound beautiful.

This isn’t a query letter.

It’s not your final book blurb.

It’s simply a way to understand the direction of your beginning.

And if you can complete that sentence?

You’re already making wonderful progress!

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 perfect opening.

You don’t need to introduce every character immediately.

And you definitely don’t need to explain your entire magic system in Chapter One. 😂

You just need to understand where your protagonist begins and what launches them into the story.

Coming Up Tomorrow: Let’s Map the MIDDLE of Your Novel! 📖🔥

Tomorrow, we’re moving on to Day 19 of Preptober 2026, and we’re tackling something that can intimidate even experienced writers.

THE MIDDLE! 😂

You know…

That enormous stretch of story between your exciting beginning and your incredible ending.

The part where your characters have to make decisions.

Face obstacles.

Develop relationships.

Experience setbacks.

And eventually reach a turning point that changes everything.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how to build momentum through Act II and avoid that dreaded sagging middle.

Because now that we know how our stories begin…

It’s time to figure out what happens NEXT!

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

Does your protagonist willingly jump into the main conflict, or do they have to be DRAGGED into it? 👀😂

Are they excited for adventure?

Absolutely terrified?

Completely reluctant?

Or convinced they can solve the problem and get back to their normal life by dinner?

Tell me in the comments!

I’ll see you tomorrow!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

You’ve developed your characters, explored your fictional world, and discovered the heart of your story. Now it’s time to figure out what actually HAPPENS! Today, we’re identifying the major story beats that will guide your novel from beginning to end.

Welcome back to Day 17 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

YOU GUYS!

We’ve officially made it to one of my FAVORITE parts of planning a novel.

PLOTTING! 🎉📖

Over the past sixteen days, we’ve been laying the foundation for our stories.

We’ve explored why we’re writing our novels.

We’ve brainstormed our ideas.

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

We’ve figured out what our characters want, what they need, and what’s standing in their way.

And yesterday, we officially wrapped up our worldbuilding exercises!

Which means we now have a much better understanding of our characters and the worlds they inhabit.

But there’s one pretty important question we still need to answer.

What actually HAPPENS in our stories?! 😂

Because having an incredible protagonist and a fascinating fictional world is wonderful.

But eventually, something needs to happen that forces our characters to DO something.

And that’s where plotting comes in!

Today, we’re identifying the BIG moments in our stories—the major story beats that will help guide our novels from beginning to end.

And before my pantsers start panicking…

Don’t worry!

We’re not outlining every single chapter today.

We’re simply figuring out the major events that will give our stories direction.

So grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, because we’ve got some plotting to do!

What Are Story Beats?

Let’s start with the basics.

Story beats are important moments or events that move your story forward.

They’re the moments that change something.

Maybe your protagonist makes an important decision.

Maybe they discover something that changes their understanding of the world.

Maybe they experience a devastating loss.

Or maybe they finally accomplish the goal they’ve been pursuing throughout the novel.

These moments help create the structure of your story.

And while every novel is different, many stories share certain structural turning points.

Think about some of your favorite books.

There’s usually a moment when the protagonist’s ordinary life is disrupted.

A moment when they commit to a new course of action.

A moment when something changes the direction of the story.

A moment when everything seems lost.

And eventually, a moment when the central conflict reaches its climax.

Those are the kinds of moments we’re looking for today.

We’re identifying the major events that transform your story from a collection of interesting ideas into a journey with a beginning, middle, and end.

And here’s the best part.

You don’t need to know every little detail between those moments yet.

We’re simply creating a foundation.

Why Should You Identify Your Major Story Beats?

Now, you might be wondering…

Elizabeth, can’t I just start writing and figure out what happens along the way?

ABSOLUTELY!

If you’re a discovery writer, you might prefer to uncover your story as you draft.

And that’s completely valid.

But even if you’re a pantser, having a general idea of where your story might be heading can be helpful.

Think of your major story beats like destinations on a road trip.

You know where you’re starting.

You know a few important places you want to visit.

And you have a general idea of where you’d like to end up.

But you don’t necessarily know every road you’ll take to get there.

And that’s okay!

Maybe you’ll discover an interesting detour.

Maybe you’ll change your destination.

Or maybe you’ll realize there’s a much better route.

Your story beats are meant to guide you, not trap you.

For plotters, they provide the foundation for a more detailed outline.

For pantsers, they can offer a little direction without taking away the excitement of discovery.

And for everyone in between?

They can help you recognize which moments are most important to your story.

The Seven Major Story Beats We’re Exploring Today 📖

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

Today, we’re identifying seven major moments:

1. Opening
2. Inciting Incident
3. Act I Turning Point
4. Midpoint
5. Act II Turning Point / Darkest Moment
6. Climax
7. Resolution

These are broad structural landmarks, not rigid rules.

Different storytelling methods use different names, divide beats differently, or place them at slightly different points.

And that’s perfectly fine!

For today’s exercise, we’re keeping things simple.

We want to understand the major events that move our protagonists from who they are at the beginning of the novel to who they become by the end.

Let’s break them down!

Beat 1: The Opening — Where Does Your Story Begin? 🌅

Every story has to start somewhere.

And your opening introduces readers to your protagonist and the world they inhabit before the central conflict fully takes hold.

This is our opportunity to establish who our protagonist is.

What their everyday life looks like.

What they want.

What they believe.

And perhaps what isn’t quite right in their world.

Now, here’s something important.

Your protagonist’s ordinary world doesn’t necessarily have to be peaceful or boring.

Maybe they’re already struggling.

Maybe they’re unhappy with their circumstances.

Or maybe they’re convinced that everything is exactly the way it should be.

The important thing is that readers begin to understand their starting point.

Because once the story starts changing their life, we want to understand what’s at stake.

Ask Yourself:

• Who is my protagonist at the beginning of the story?
• What does their life look like?
• What do they want?
• What problem or dissatisfaction already exists?
• What do I want readers to understand about them?

And remember…

You don’t need to figure out your perfect opening sentence today.

We’re just identifying where the story begins.

Beat 2: The Inciting Incident — What Changes Everything? 🔥

Okay, you guys.

THIS is where things start getting interesting!

The inciting incident is the event that disrupts your protagonist’s existing situation and sets the central story in motion.

Something happens.

And suddenly, life can’t continue exactly as it did before.

Maybe your protagonist receives an unexpected invitation.

Discovers a secret.

Meets someone who changes their plans.

Loses something important.

Or finds themselves facing a problem they can no longer ignore.

Whatever happens, the inciting incident introduces a change that demands a response.

Think about it this way.

What happens that makes this particular story worth telling NOW?

Why are we following your protagonist at this moment in their life?

What changes?

And why does that change matter?

Ask Yourself:

• What event disrupts my protagonist’s life?
• Why is this event important?
• What new problem or opportunity does it introduce?
• How does my protagonist initially respond?

And here’s a little reminder.

Your inciting incident doesn’t necessarily have to involve explosions, battles, or dramatic revelations.

Sometimes an unexpected meeting can change everything.

Especially in romance! 💕

Beat 3: The Act I Turning Point — There’s No Going Back! 🚪

Now that something has disrupted our protagonist’s life, we need to move them into the main conflict of the story.

That’s where the Act I turning point comes in.

This is the moment when our protagonist commits to a course of action or crosses into a new situation that drives the rest of the novel.

Maybe they make a difficult decision.

Accept an invitation.

Leave home.

Agree to an arrangement.

Or find themselves in circumstances they can no longer escape.

The important thing is that the story changes direction.

Our protagonist is no longer simply reacting to the disruption. They’re becoming involved in the central journey.

And ideally?

There’s something significant at stake.

Ask Yourself:

• What decision or event launches my protagonist into the main conflict?
• What are they committing to?
• Why can’t they simply return to their previous life?
• What do they believe they need to accomplish?

This is also a great opportunity to revisit our Day 10 exercise.

Remember?

Goal. Conflict. Stakes.

By the end of Act I, readers should have a clearer sense of what the protagonist is pursuing and what stands in their way.

Beat 4: The Midpoint — Everything Changes! 👀

Now we’ve reached the middle of our story.

And this is where things can get REALLY interesting.

The midpoint is a major turning point that changes the direction, stakes, or understanding of the central conflict.

Maybe your protagonist makes a surprising discovery.

Maybe they achieve what appears to be a major victory.

Maybe they suffer a significant defeat.

Or maybe something happens that forces them to reconsider everything they thought they knew.

A strong midpoint often changes how the protagonist approaches the rest of the story.

Before the midpoint, they might be pursuing one strategy.

Afterward, they realize that strategy isn’t going to work.

Or perhaps they finally understand the true nature of the problem they’re facing.

The midpoint should make the second half of the story feel meaningfully different from the first.

And this doesn’t necessarily mean you need an enormous plot twist.

Sometimes the most important midpoint is an emotional revelation.

Especially in a character-driven novel.

Ask Yourself:

• What major event changes the direction of my story?
• What new information does my protagonist discover?
• Do the stakes increase?
• Does my protagonist change their approach?
• How does this moment influence their emotional journey?

And remember our Day 11 exercise on wants, needs, and false beliefs?

The midpoint can be a wonderful opportunity to challenge what your protagonist believes.

Or maybe give them a reason to cling to that false belief even harder.

Either way, something important should shift.

Beat 5: The Act II Turning Point & Darkest Moment — Everything Falls Apart 💔

Okay.

Time to make our characters suffer.

FOR STORYTELLING PURPOSES, OF COURSE! 😂

As we approach the end of Act II, the central conflict intensifies.

Our protagonist may experience a major setback.

Their plans might fall apart.

They might lose something important.

Or they might realize the approach they’ve relied on throughout the story won’t work.

This is where we often encounter the darkest moment.

That point when everything feels hopeless.

When our protagonist believes they’ve failed.

When their greatest fear seems to be coming true.

Or when they’re forced to confront the consequences of their own choices.

Now, depending on your story structure, the Act II turning point and the darkest moment might be separate events.

That’s completely fine!

For today’s exercise, we’re looking at the major crisis that pushes our protagonist toward the final act.

What happens that forces your protagonist to confront the central conflict—and possibly themselves—in a new way?

Ask Yourself:

• What is the protagonist’s greatest setback?
• What do they lose?
• What makes this moment emotionally devastating?
• How does this crisis challenge their false belief?
• What must they realize or decide before moving forward?

And remember…

The darkest moment doesn’t always involve death or a catastrophic disaster.

Sometimes it’s the end of a relationship.

A betrayal.

A painful realization.

Or the loss of something your protagonist believed they couldn’t live without.

The emotional impact matters more than the spectacle.

Beat 6: The Climax — The Moment We’ve Been Building Toward! ⚔️

THIS IS IT!

The big moment!

The confrontation!

The decision!

The event we’ve been building toward throughout the entire novel!

The climax is where the central conflict reaches its decisive turning point.

Maybe your protagonist confronts the antagonist.

Makes an enormous sacrifice.

Confesses their feelings.

Solves the mystery.

Or finally makes a choice that demonstrates how much they’ve changed.

And here’s something I really want you to think about.

Your climax should connect to the story you’ve been telling all along.

Remember your protagonist’s goal?

Their conflict?

Their stakes?

Their false belief?

Their emotional journey?

The climax is an opportunity to bring those elements together.

Your protagonist might finally accomplish their original goal.

Or perhaps they realize that what they truly need is different from what they wanted at the beginning.

Either way, the climax should provide a meaningful payoff to the central conflict.

Ask Yourself:

• What is the decisive confrontation or choice?
• How does my protagonist actively influence the outcome?
• What is at stake?
• How does this moment demonstrate their growth—or failure to grow?
• How is the central conflict resolved?

And don’t worry if you don’t know every detail of your climax yet.

Sometimes you’ll discover the perfect ending while writing the middle.

For now, we’re simply identifying the major moment we’re building toward.

Beat 7: The Resolution — What Happens After Everything Changes? 💕

And finally…

THE RESOLUTION!

We’ve made it through the central conflict.

Our protagonist has faced their greatest challenge.

And now readers get to see what happens afterward.

This is where we establish the consequences of the climax.

What has changed?

What has been resolved?

What relationships have evolved?

And who has our protagonist become?

Maybe they return home.

Maybe they begin a new chapter of their life.

Maybe they finally find the love or belonging they’ve been searching for.

Or maybe they realize that the world—and their place within it—will never be the same.

The resolution gives readers an opportunity to experience the emotional payoff of the story.

And depending on your genre, it might also introduce a question that leads into the next book.

Ask Yourself:

• What does my protagonist’s life look like after the climax?
• How have they changed?
• Which relationships or conflicts need closure?
• What emotional feeling do I want readers to leave with?
• What final image or moment might bring the story full circle?

Remember Day 6, when we explored the heart of our stories?

This is a wonderful opportunity to revisit that exercise.

What do you want readers to feel when they reach the final page?

Because your resolution can help deliver that emotional experience.

What If You Don’t Know All Seven Beats Yet?

Okay, let’s address something important.

What if you sit down with your E-Guide…

Look at the seven story beats…

And realize you have absolutely NO IDEA what happens in the middle of your novel?

First of all…

WELCOME TO WRITING! 😂💕

Seriously.

You do not need to know every major event before you begin drafting.

Maybe you know exactly how your novel starts.

And you have a beautiful ending in mind.

But the middle?

It’s just one enormous question mark.

That’s okay!

Start with what you know.

Maybe you can identify your opening, inciting incident, and climax.

Great!

Write those down.

Maybe you know your protagonist’s darkest moment but haven’t figured out the midpoint.

That’s fine, too.

You can leave blanks in your outline.

You can write down multiple possibilities.

You can brainstorm.

And you can change your mind later.

Remember what we’ve been saying throughout Preptober?

Your planning process should work for YOU.

Not the other way around.

We’re creating a foundation that helps us write.

We’re not signing a contract promising never to change our minds. 😂

How to Make Your Story Beats Stronger

Once you’ve identified a few of your major beats, here’s a little exercise I love.

Look at each event and ask yourself:

What changes because of this moment?

Because a major story beat should generally create a meaningful shift.

Maybe it changes the protagonist’s goal.

Maybe it raises the stakes.

Maybe it introduces new information.

Maybe it transforms a relationship.

Or maybe it challenges a deeply held belief.

For example, imagine a fictional mystery novel.

Your protagonist discovers an old photograph.

Interesting!

But what makes that discovery a major story beat?

Perhaps the photograph reveals that someone they trust has been lying about an important event.

Now the discovery changes their understanding of the mystery.

And it forces them to reconsider who they can trust.

That’s a meaningful turning point.

The event doesn’t just happen.

It changes what happens next.

And that’s what we want our major story beats to accomplish.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

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

Today, we’re identifying the BIG moments in our novels.

And here’s the best part.

We’re NOT outlining every chapter yet!

That comes later.

For now, I want you to spend about 15–20 minutes brainstorming the major events in your story.

Step 1: Write Down What You Already Know

Start with the scenes and events you’ve already imagined.

Maybe you know your opening.

Maybe you know your climax.

Maybe there’s a heartbreaking scene you absolutely cannot wait to write.

Write them down!

You don’t have to put them in order just yet.

Step 2: Identify Your Seven Major Beats

Using your E-Guide, try to answer these questions:

Opening: Where does my protagonist’s journey begin?

Inciting Incident: What happens that disrupts their life?

Act I Turning Point: What commits them to the main conflict?

Midpoint: What major event changes the direction of the story?

Act II Turning Point / Darkest Moment: What brings them to their lowest point?

Climax: What decisive confrontation or choice resolves the central conflict?

Resolution: What happens after the climax, and how has my protagonist changed?

If you don’t know an answer?

Leave it blank!

Or write down a few possibilities.

Step 3: Connect Your Beats to Your Character’s Journey

Now, take a look at your protagonist’s wants, needs, and false beliefs.

How might these major events challenge what they believe?

What will they learn?

What decisions will they make?

And how might those decisions influence the direction of the story?

Remember…

Your plot and your character’s emotional journey should work together.

Step 4: Don’t Worry About the Details Yet

I know.

I KNOW.

It’s tempting to start outlining every chapter immediately. 😂

But we’re going to spend the next several days working through our plots in more detail.

Today is about identifying the big picture.

Think of your story beats as the skeleton of your novel.

Over the next several days, we’ll start adding the details that bring that skeleton 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 to know every scene.

You don’t need a perfect ending.

And you definitely don’t need a fifty-page outline before you can start writing. 😂

You just need enough direction to take the next step.

Coming Up Tomorrow: Let’s Map the Beginning of Your Novel! 📖✨

Tomorrow, we’re moving on to Day 18 of Preptober 2026, and we’re taking a closer look at the BEGINNING of our stories!

We’ll explore how to introduce our protagonists.

Establish their ordinary worlds.

Create an inciting incident.

And build toward the turning point that launches them into the main conflict.

Because now that we’ve identified the BIG moments in our novels…

It’s time to start connecting the dots!

And don’t worry.

We’re taking this one step at a time.

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

Which major story beat are you MOST excited to write? 👀📖

Is it your inciting incident?

Your midpoint?

That absolutely DEVASTATING darkest moment?

Or the climax you’ve been imagining since the moment you came up with your story idea? 😂💕

Tell me in the comments!

I’ll see you tomorrow!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

Who makes the rules in your fictional world? Who has the power to enforce them? And what happens when your protagonist decides to challenge the system? Today, we’re exploring politics, authority, and power structures in our novels!

Welcome back to Day 16 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’ve officially made it to the FINAL day of our worldbuilding exercises!

Can you believe it?!

Over the past several days, we’ve been exploring the worlds our characters inhabit.

We’ve established our settings, climates, terrain, and natural resources.

We’ve developed our magic and technology systems.

We’ve explored society, culture, traditions, and social expectations.

And yesterday, we identified the different creatures, species, and communities that live in our fictional worlds.

But today?

We’re figuring out who’s actually in CHARGE! 👑😂

Because every society has some form of power structure.

Someone makes decisions.

Someone establishes rules.

Someone has influence.

And someone probably isn’t very happy about any of it.

Which, as writers, means one thing…

CONFLICT! 👀

Today, we’re exploring politics and power, and how the systems governing our fictional worlds can influence our characters, relationships, and plots.

And before my contemporary romance writers start thinking this lesson doesn’t apply to them…

You know what I’m going to say.

WORLDBUILDING IS FOR EVERY GENRE! 😂💕

What Are Politics & Power in Worldbuilding?

Let’s start with the basics.

When we talk about politics in worldbuilding, we’re exploring how decisions are made, how authority is organized, and how different people or groups influence their society.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking.

Elizabeth, I’m writing a cozy romance. I don’t need politics in my novel!

And you’re right!

You might not need an elaborate political system.

You might not need government officials debating laws or kingdoms fighting over territory.

But politics and power aren’t limited to governments.

Power exists anywhere people have different levels of authority, influence, or control.

Think about a family business.

A university.

A corporation.

A small-town community.

A royal court.

A criminal organization.

Or even a wealthy family whose opinions influence everyone around them.

All of these settings can have power structures.

And those structures can influence what our characters are allowed to do, what opportunities are available to them, and what obstacles they face.

The goal of today’s exercise isn’t to turn every novel into a political thriller.

It’s to understand who holds influence in your world and how that influence affects your story.

Step 1: Identify Who Holds the Power 👑

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

We’re starting with one simple question.

Who holds the power in your fictional world?

If you’re writing fantasy, maybe your world is governed by a king or queen.

Maybe there’s a council of elders.

A group of powerful magical families.

Or several competing kingdoms.

If you’re writing science fiction, perhaps there’s a planetary government, an influential corporation, or an artificial intelligence that controls important systems.

If you’re writing contemporary fiction, power might exist within a workplace, family, school, or local community.

And if you’re writing historical fiction, you’ll want to consider the institutions and social hierarchies that existed during your chosen period.

Now, here’s something important.

The person with the highest title isn’t always the person with the most influence.

A king might officially rule a kingdom.

But perhaps his advisors make most of the important decisions.

A company might have a CEO.

But maybe the founder’s family still controls the board of directors.

Or a small town might have an elected mayor.

But perhaps one wealthy family has influenced local decisions for generations.

See where I’m going with this?

Authority and influence aren’t always the same thing.

And understanding that difference can create some really interesting storytelling opportunities.

Step 2: Establish the Rules of Your World ⚖️

Now that we know who’s in charge, let’s talk about the rules.

Every society has expectations about how people should behave.

Some are formal laws.

Others are institutional policies.

And some are unwritten social rules that people follow because challenging them comes with consequences.

Start by asking yourself:

What rules govern my fictional world?

Maybe certain magical abilities are forbidden.

Maybe only members of a particular family can inherit the throne.

Maybe a company has strict policies about workplace relationships.

Maybe a school has rules that limit what students can do.

Or perhaps a community has longstanding traditions that everyone is expected to respect.

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

What happens when someone breaks those rules?

Are they punished?

Ostracized?

Fined?

Removed from a position of authority?

Or simply judged by everyone around them?

Because rules become especially useful to our stories when they create meaningful consequences.

For example, imagine a fictional university where students are prohibited from entering a particular building after dark.

Now imagine your protagonist discovers something important hidden inside that building.

Suddenly, they have a choice.

Follow the rules and potentially lose access to the information they need?

Or break the rules and risk serious consequences?

That’s how a power structure can create conflict without requiring an elaborate political subplot.

Step 3: Explore Different Types of Power

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

Power doesn’t always come from an official position.

There are many different ways characters can influence the people and systems around them.

Political Power

This is authority connected to governments, laws, and leadership.

Think kings, queens, presidents, councils, and elected officials.

These individuals or institutions might establish laws, control territory, or make decisions that affect entire communities.

Economic Power

Money and resources can create enormous influence.

A wealthy family might control important businesses.

A corporation might provide most of the jobs in a town.

Or a merchant might control access to something the community desperately needs.

And when someone controls an important resource?

They can influence the decisions of others.

Social Power

Sometimes influence comes from reputation, relationships, or social standing.

Maybe a character is respected because of their family name.

Maybe they’re a beloved community leader.

Or perhaps they have connections that give them access to opportunities others don’t have.

This kind of power can be especially interesting in romance, historical fiction, and contemporary novels.

Institutional Power

Schools, businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, and other organizations have their own hierarchies.

Someone might have the authority to hire or fire employees.

Approve funding.

Grant access to important resources.

Or determine whether a character can pursue a particular opportunity.

Magical or Technological Power

And for my fantasy and science fiction writers?

Power might also come from access to extraordinary abilities or advanced technology.

Maybe certain individuals possess rare magical talents.

Maybe an organization controls the most powerful weapons.

Or perhaps only a small group has access to advanced medical technology.

The important question isn’t simply who has power. It’s what they can do with it.

Step 4: Think About Who Doesn’t Have Power

Now, let’s look at the other side of the equation.

Who has the least power in your world?

Because understanding who holds authority is important.

But understanding who lacks it can be just as useful.

Maybe certain communities have limited access to resources.

Maybe younger family members have little influence over important decisions.

Maybe employees have no say in how a company operates.

Or maybe a character belongs to a group that isn’t represented within the government.

Those differences can create meaningful obstacles.

And they can influence how characters approach their goals.

For example, imagine a protagonist who works for a family-owned business.

They have an incredible idea that could save the company.

But the business owner refuses to listen because the protagonist is young and inexperienced.

Suddenly, the protagonist isn’t simply trying to solve a business problem.

They’re also trying to overcome a power imbalance.

And that creates additional conflict!

Power structures become interesting when they influence what our characters can and cannot accomplish.

Step 5: Explore Conflict Between Those in Power

Okay, you guys.

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

People who disagree about how things should be run! 😂

Because even within the same organization or government, not everyone will agree.

Maybe two members of a royal council have completely different visions for their kingdom.

Maybe a family business is divided over whether to modernize.

Maybe a community disagrees about a proposed development project.

Or maybe a school administration and its students have very different opinions about an important policy.

These disagreements can create opportunities for conflict.

But here’s something important.

The people involved don’t necessarily have to be villains.

Sometimes two characters genuinely believe they’re doing what’s best.

They simply disagree about what that looks like.

And those disagreements can become especially compelling when both sides have understandable motivations.

For example, imagine a fictional town considering whether to sell an old historic theater.

One group wants to preserve the building because it represents the town’s history.

Another group wants to sell it because the money could fund much-needed community services.

Both groups have reasonable concerns.

But they want different outcomes.

And if your protagonist is caught in the middle?

Well, now we’ve got a story!

Conflicting priorities can be just as powerful as conflicting personalities.

Step 6: Connect Politics & Power to Your Protagonist 💕

Now, here’s the question I really want you to focus on today.

How does the power structure in your world affect your protagonist?

Because remember…

We’re not worldbuilding simply for the sake of worldbuilding.

We’re trying to create a believable environment that supports our stories.

So think about your protagonist’s goal.

What are they trying to accomplish?

And who has the authority or influence to help or stop them?

Maybe your protagonist wants to pursue a career their family doesn’t approve of.

Maybe they need permission from an organization to accomplish something important.

Maybe they’re trying to change a rule that harms their community.

Or maybe they have to work alongside someone whose authority they deeply resent.

Suddenly, your power structure has become part of your protagonist’s conflict.

And here’s where we can connect today’s exercise to something we explored earlier this month.

Goal. Conflict. Stakes.

Remember Day 10?

We identified what our protagonists want, what’s standing in their way, and what they stand to lose if they fail.

Well, sometimes the thing standing in their way is a person or institution with more power than they have.

And that creates an opportunity to explore how our protagonists respond to authority.

Do they follow the rules?

Challenge them?

Manipulate the system?

Or try to change it from within?

The way your protagonist responds to power can reveal a lot about their personality, values, and character arc.

Step 6: Don’t Turn Your Worldbuilding Into a Political Encyclopedia 😂

Okay, you guys.

Here’s your friendly reminder for today.

You do NOT need to develop an entire government system before November 1st.

Unless, of course, your story genuinely requires one!

But for most of us, the goal isn’t to create a fifty-page document explaining every law, political office, and administrative procedure in our fictional worlds.

We’re preparing to write our novels.

And sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the details.

Maybe you start by creating a royal council.

Then you decide every council member needs an elaborate backstory.

Then you develop a complete history of the kingdom’s political system.

And before you know it…

You’ve spent three days researching medieval taxation. 😂

Now, if that information is important to your plot, absolutely explore it!

But otherwise?

Focus on what matters most.

Who holds power?

What rules influence your characters?

Who benefits from the system?

Who struggles because of it?

And how does that power structure create conflict?

You can always develop the finer details as you write.

Remember, the goal of Preptober isn’t to plan every single detail of your novel.

It’s to create a foundation that helps you begin writing with confidence.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Politics & Power section.

Today, we’re identifying the authority structures that influence our fictional worlds.

Spend about 10–15 minutes answering these questions:

1. Who holds the power?

Identify the people, organizations, or institutions with the most authority or influence.

2. How is that power maintained?

Is it through laws, wealth, tradition, reputation, resources, or something else?

3. What rules govern your world?

Think about formal laws, institutional policies, and unwritten social expectations.

4. Who benefits from the current system?

Are certain people or groups given advantages because of their position?

5. Who has limited power?

Which characters or communities face obstacles because of the way authority is distributed?

6. How does this affect your protagonist?

Does someone in power stand between your protagonist and their goal?

And here’s my favorite bonus question:

What is ONE rule your protagonist would be willing to break—and what would happen if they got caught? 👀

Because that answer might lead you toward a very interesting plot point!

Remember, you don’t need to answer every question in enormous detail.

We’re simply identifying the power structures that matter most to our stories.

We’ve Finished Our Worldbuilding Exercises! 🎉🌎

YOU GUYS!

We’ve officially made it through the worldbuilding portion of Preptober 2026!

Over the past five days, we’ve explored:

• Location, Climate, Terrain & Natural Resources
• Magic & Technology
• Society & Culture
• Creatures, Races & Communities
• Politics & Power

And now?

We have a much better understanding of the worlds our characters inhabit.

We know where they live.

What systems exist.

How their communities function.

Who lives alongside them.

And who holds the power.

But here’s something I want you to remember.

Your worldbuilding doesn’t have to be finished.

You can discover new details while drafting.

You can change things.

You can expand on ideas.

And you can leave questions unanswered until they become relevant to your story.

Because we’re not trying to create perfect planning documents.

We’re trying to prepare ourselves to write a novel!

And speaking of writing…

We’re about to move into one of the most exciting parts of Preptober!

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 know every law in your fictional kingdom.

You don’t need a complete political history.

And you definitely don’t need to create an organizational chart for every business in your contemporary romance. 😂

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

Coming Up Tomorrow: Find the BIG Moments in Your Story! 📖🔥

Tomorrow, we’re moving on to Day 17 of Preptober 2026, and we’re officially diving into…

PLOTTING! 🎉

That’s right, you guys!

We’ve spent the first half of October discovering our stories, developing our characters, and building our worlds.

Now it’s time to start figuring out what actually HAPPENS in our novels!

Tomorrow, we’ll identify the major story beats that create the foundation of our plots.

Our openings.

Inciting incidents.

Turning points.

Midpoints.

Climaxes.

And resolutions!

And don’t worry.

We’re not outlining every single chapter tomorrow.

We’re simply identifying the BIG moments that will help guide our stories from beginning to end.

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

Who’s REALLY in charge in your novel—and does your protagonist agree with them? 👀👑

Is it a king or queen?

A powerful corporation?

A wealthy family?

A school principal?

Or maybe a very opinionated grandmother who somehow controls the entire family? 😂

Tell me in the comments!

I’ll see you tomorrow!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️

From magical creatures and fictional species to small-town communities and social groups, every story world needs inhabitants who make it feel alive. Today, we’re figuring out WHO lives in our fictional worlds!

Welcome back to Day 15 of Preptober 2026! 🎃✍️

You guys, we’re officially at the halfway point of our 31-day novel-planning challenge!

HALFWAY!

Can you believe it?! 🥹💕

Over the past two weeks, we’ve been getting to know our stories, developing our characters, and building the worlds they’ll inhabit.

And this week, we’ve been diving into worldbuilding!

We’ve explored our settings, climates, terrain, and natural resources.

We’ve talked about magic and technology.

And yesterday, we explored society and culture—the traditions, customs, beliefs, and social expectations that influence how people live.

But today?

We’re figuring out WHO actually lives in our story worlds! 🐉✨

Because a fictional world isn’t just made up of beautiful landscapes, interesting buildings, and elaborate systems.

It’s also made up of the people and creatures who inhabit it.

And those inhabitants can influence everything from our protagonists’ relationships to the conflicts that drive our stories.

So grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide, because today we’re exploring creatures, races, and communities!

And yes, my contemporary romance writers…

This lesson is for you, too! 😂

Why the Inhabitants of Your World Matter

Let’s start with a simple question.

Who lives in your fictional world?

Depending on your genre, that question might have very different answers.

If you’re writing fantasy, your world might include humans, elves, dragons, shapeshifters, or entirely original fictional species.

If you’re writing science fiction, you might have alien civilizations, genetically modified populations, or communities living on different planets.

If you’re writing contemporary fiction, you might be exploring the people who live in a particular town, neighborhood, or city.

And if you’re writing historical fiction, you might be researching the different social groups and communities that existed during your chosen period.

Completely different genres.

But the same fundamental question.

Who lives in this world, and how do their experiences influence the story?

Because the people and creatures who populate our settings shouldn’t exist simply to fill the background.

They can influence our protagonists’ beliefs.

Create relationships.

Introduce conflict.

Shape the culture.

And make our fictional worlds feel believable.

That’s what we’re working on today!

Step 1: Identify the Different Groups in Your World 🌎

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

And remember, if you’re not writing fantasy, you can absolutely use this section to explore the different communities and populations within your setting.

Start by asking yourself:

What different groups exist in my story world?

Maybe your fantasy world includes several intelligent species.

Maybe your science fiction novel features communities living on different planets.

Maybe your contemporary novel takes place in a college town filled with students, professors, longtime residents, and local business owners.

Or maybe your historical novel explores different social classes within a particular community.

For now, we’re simply identifying the groups that are relevant to our stories.

And here’s something important to remember.

You do NOT need to invent dozens of different groups just to make your world feel interesting.

Sometimes a smaller, more focused population is exactly what your story needs.

The goal is to understand who lives in your setting and how those groups influence the world around them.

Step 2: Explore Your Fictional Species & Creatures 🐉

Now, let’s talk to my fantasy and science fiction writers!

Because this is where things can get especially fun.

Maybe your world includes magical creatures.

Dragons.

Elves.

Mermaids.

Shapeshifters.

Or entirely original species that you’ve created yourself.

And while it’s tempting to immediately start designing elaborate appearances and magical abilities…

I want you to think about something else.

How do these creatures actually LIVE?

What are their physical characteristics?

Do they have special abilities?

Where do they live?

What do they eat?

How do they communicate?

What are their strengths and limitations?

And how do they interact with other inhabitants of your world?

For example, imagine a fictional species that can breathe underwater.

That’s an interesting physical ability!

But now think about how that ability might influence their society.

Would they build underwater communities?

How would they communicate with people living on land?

What kinds of transportation might they use?

Would their environment influence their traditions or beliefs?

Suddenly, one physical characteristic has created all kinds of worldbuilding possibilities.

The most interesting fictional species often feel like they belong to the world you’ve created.

Their abilities, environments, and ways of life should influence one another.

And those details can make your setting feel more immersive.

Step 3: Think About Different Communities & Social Groups 💕

Now, let’s talk to my contemporary, historical, mystery, thriller, and romance writers!

Because even if your novel doesn’t include magical creatures or fictional species, your setting still contains different communities.

And those communities can influence your story in meaningful ways.

Think about a fictional small town.

You might have longtime residents whose families have lived there for generations.

Newcomers who recently moved to the area.

Local business owners.

Students.

Teachers.

Artists.

Or people who commute to a nearby city for work.

All of these groups might have different experiences and perspectives.

Maybe longtime residents are concerned about new development.

Maybe younger residents want more opportunities.

Maybe local business owners depend on seasonal tourism.

And maybe your protagonist finds themselves caught between those competing interests.

Suddenly, the different communities within your setting are creating opportunities for conflict.

And nobody necessarily has to be the villain!

Different groups can have competing goals without being inherently good or bad.

That’s something worth remembering when developing your fictional world.

Step 4: Give Your Groups Distinct Identities

Now that we’ve identified some of the different inhabitants of our worlds, let’s think about what makes them distinct.

Maybe they have different traditions.

Different environments.

Different histories.

Different ways of organizing their communities.

Or different relationships with the larger society.

For example, imagine a fantasy world with two neighboring communities.

One lives in a mountainous region and depends on mining and trade.

The other lives along the coast and relies on fishing and maritime commerce.

Their environments might influence their economies, daily routines, and cultural traditions.

But here’s something important.

Not every individual within a group should be exactly the same.

Just because a community values tradition doesn’t mean every member agrees with every tradition.

Just because a fictional species is known for a particular ability doesn’t mean every individual has the same personality.

And just because two communities have a complicated history doesn’t mean every person living there feels the same way about the other group.

People are individuals.

They have different beliefs.

Different experiences.

Different goals.

And different relationships with their communities.

Those differences can make your world feel much more believable.

If you’re drawing inspiration from real-world communities or cultures, research them thoughtfully and avoid reducing people to stereotypes.

The goal is to create believable inhabitants, not assign an entire population a single personality.

Step 5: Explore Relationships Between Groups

Now we’re getting into something I absolutely LOVE.

Conflict! 😂

Because once you’ve identified the different inhabitants of your world, you can start thinking about how they interact.

Do they cooperate?

Do they compete?

Do they trade resources?

Do they share traditions?

Do they have a complicated history?

Or do they have completely different perspectives on how their society should function?

These relationships can influence the larger story.

For example, imagine two neighboring communities that depend on the same river.

One uses the river primarily for agriculture.

The other depends on it for fishing and transportation.

Now imagine a drought reduces the available water.

Suddenly, the communities have competing needs.

And those competing needs might influence politics, relationships, and individual decisions.

Notice how the conflict develops naturally from the worldbuilding?

That’s what we’re looking for!

Your world’s inhabitants can create meaningful obstacles and opportunities simply because they have different needs and goals.

And remember…

Those relationships don’t always have to be negative.

Different communities might cooperate during a crisis.

Share resources.

Celebrate traditions together.

Or form alliances that become important to your story.

Both cooperation and conflict can help make your fictional world feel alive.

Step 6: Connect Your Worldbuilding to Your Protagonist

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

Where does your protagonist fit into this world?

Do they belong to a particular community?

Are they considered an outsider?

Do they feel connected to their heritage or upbringing?

Are they expected to follow certain traditions?

Or do they struggle to find a place where they belong?

These questions can help connect your worldbuilding to your protagonist’s emotional journey.

Remember what we talked about on Day 11?

Wants, needs, and false beliefs!

Sometimes, the communities surrounding our protagonists influence the beliefs they develop about themselves and the world.

Maybe your protagonist grew up in a community that values achievement above everything else.

So they believe they must constantly prove themselves.

Maybe they come from a family with strong traditions, but they want to pursue a different path.

Or maybe they’ve spent their entire life feeling like an outsider and desperately want to find a place where they belong.

Suddenly, your worldbuilding isn’t separate from your character development.

It’s helping shape the person your protagonist has become.

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 the different communities and social groups influence Elizabeth Bennet’s story.

And no, there aren’t any dragons in Pride and Prejudice. 😂

But there are plenty of distinct social groups!

The Bennet Family

Let’s start with Elizabeth’s own family.

The Bennets belong to the landed gentry, but their financial circumstances are complicated by the entailment of their estate.

And within the family, we see very different personalities and priorities.

Mrs. Bennet is determined to secure marriages for her daughters.

Mr. Bennet often responds to family difficulties with humor and detachment.

Jane is gentle and inclined to see the best in others.

Elizabeth values independence and genuine affection.

And Lydia is impulsive and eager for excitement.

Notice how even within one family, the characters have very different perspectives?

That’s important!

A community or social group shouldn’t be treated as though everyone thinks and behaves exactly the same way.

The Landed Gentry

Much of Pride and Prejudice takes place within the social world of the landed gentry.

Families interact through visits, balls, dinners, and introductions.

And wealth, family connections, reputation, and manners influence those interactions.

Characters like Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh occupy different positions within this social world.

And those differences influence how they approach relationships and social expectations.

The Military Community

Another important group in the novel is the militia stationed near Meryton.

Their presence introduces new social opportunities and relationships.

And, of course, Mr. Wickham’s involvement becomes particularly important to Elizabeth’s journey.

The militia isn’t simply background decoration.

Its presence helps bring certain characters into the story and creates opportunities for significant events to unfold.

Different Perspectives on Marriage

Now, here’s one of my favorite examples of how social groups and individual perspectives can influence a story.

Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas exist within the same broader society.

Both understand the importance of marriage and financial security.

But they approach those expectations differently.

Elizabeth values love and personal happiness.

Charlotte takes a more practical approach to marriage.

Neither character exists in isolation from her society.

But they respond to its expectations in different ways.

And those differences help explore the novel’s central themes.

That’s effective worldbuilding!

The different people and communities surrounding Elizabeth influence her relationships, choices, and conflicts.

And they help make the world of Pride and Prejudice feel believable.

Step 7: Don’t Create More Than Your Story Needs

Okay, you guys.

Here’s your friendly reminder for today.

You do NOT need to invent fifteen different fictional species, twenty social groups, and an entire history for every community in your world before November 1st. 😂

I know.

It’s tempting!

Especially when you’re writing fantasy or science fiction.

Suddenly, you’re designing creatures.

Creating complicated histories.

Developing relationships between entire civilizations.

And spending three hours deciding what kind of food a fictional species eats for breakfast.

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.

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

So focus on the inhabitants who matter most to your story.

Who lives in your world?

What makes those groups distinct?

How do they interact?

And how do they influence your protagonist?

You can always expand on those details as you draft.

Your worldbuilding should help you tell your story, not become another reason to delay writing it.

Today’s Preptober Assignment ✍️

Grab your free Preptober 2026 E-Guide and turn to the Creatures & Races section.

And if you’re writing contemporary or historical fiction, feel free to use this space to explore the different communities and social groups within your setting.

Spend about 10–15 minutes answering these questions:

1. Who lives in my world?

Identify the important species, creatures, populations, or communities that exist within your setting.

2. What makes these groups distinct?

Think about their environments, traditions, abilities, histories, or everyday experiences.

3. How do they interact?

Do they cooperate, compete, trade, or have complicated relationships?

4. What role do they play in the story?

How do these groups influence your protagonist’s goals, relationships, or conflicts?

5. Where does my protagonist fit in?

Do they belong to one of these communities? Do they feel connected to it? Or do they struggle to find their place?

And here’s one bonus question:

What is one relationship between two groups that could create an interesting conflict in my novel?

Remember, you don’t need to answer every question in enormous detail.

We’re simply establishing the inhabitants who will help bring our fictional worlds to life.

Follow Along With Preptober 2026! 🎃📖

If you’re just joining us, welcome!

Throughout October, I’m doing 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 dozens of fictional species.

You don’t need elaborate histories for every community.

And you definitely don’t need to know the complete family tree of every person living in your fictional town. 😂

You just need to understand who inhabits your world and how they influence the story you’re trying to tell.

Coming Up Tomorrow: Who Holds the Power in Your World? 👑⚖️

Tomorrow, we’re moving on to Day 16 of Preptober 2026, and we’re exploring politics and power!

We’ll talk about the people and institutions that make decisions within our fictional worlds.

Governments.

Leaders.

Organizations.

Social hierarchies.

And the rules that influence how communities function.

Because now that we know who lives in our worlds…

It’s time to figure out who’s actually in charge! 😂

And don’t worry, contemporary romance writers.

This lesson is for you, too!

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

What’s one interesting creature, species, or community that exists in your novel? 👀🐉

Is it a magical creature?

A fictional civilization?

A tight-knit small-town community?

Or a group of people whose relationships create absolute chaos for your protagonist? 😂

Tell me in the comments!

I’ll see you tomorrow!

We’ve got a novel to plan. 🎃✍️