: Re: How do you effectively develop a plot when you have a proper back story? I'm writing a sci-fi/fantasy story, which is arguably not yet a novel, and has general similarities with most fantasy

@Becky328

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Plot combines all the aspects of a hook (beginning) and a great ending with steps to get from one to the other. Great stories come from conflict. Put your character in a situation that seems nearly impossible to resolve, and then step by step resolve it; adding new challenges along the way. The Middle section is most problematic for you. Keep out of the sagging middle by working more problems for your character.
Decide how long you want your story. SF stories tend to be longer 90K-120K word count because of the need to world build. Your back story sounds like you have your world created. This is good. If you were writing a novella, you would have 20K words. Divide the number of words into chapters. 100K/2500=40 chapters….or if you want longer chapters 100K/4000w=25 chapters. Divide the chapters into quarters—assign 25% to the set up/beginning; 25% to the ending (climax and resolve) and the rest 50% is your middle.
Create a main character with a flaw (at least one that is not disgusting, e.g. pedophile), who has a dream/goal/desire/passion.
Create an antagonist who believes s/he is the hero/ine of his/her own story and blocks the ambitions of the main character.
By your first (three) chapter(s), you should have a MC with a goal, and show what obstacle prevents him/her from achieving it.
Write goal, motivation and conflict for every scene (usually 2-3 scenes per chapter) and identify the POV.
e.g. Harry Potter wanted to learn how to be a wizard(G); he had missed out on his parents and upbringing as a wizard and he felt he had to prove himself as the chosen one(M); he had many enemies in Slytherin, the Death Eaters and Voldemort who provided conflict/disasters(C/D).
You can do this by outlining (plotter) or writing by the seat of your pants (pantser). Every chapter must end with either a disaster or a resolution. Disasters create tension and make the story a page turner. Resolutions give the tension a break. Don’t use too many resolutions before the end.
The minute things are going well, throw in a problem. There should be a main arc (problem) to resolve, but each scene should have a problem (or resolution).
Ways to improve the above: take a class, join a writers group, write every day-some, and read, read, read. Great books on writing: Rock Your Plot by Cathy Yardley; Goal Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon; [Write Active Setting (Books 1, 2, 3& 4) by Mary Buckham.][3] [SavvyAuthors.com][4] offers low cost classes by writers. [The MuseOnlineConference][5] offers a free conference.
I hope this helps.

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