Plotting It Out: How to Develop a Story With Structure and Heart🖊️

Part of the series “How to write a book from start to finish”

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk

Have you ever felt like you’re on a journey with your characters—but without a map?

You have a beautiful story idea, rich characters, and an important message. But somehow, you don’t know where to start—or where to go next.

Don’t worry. You’re not lost. You’re just in the middle of the creative process.

There’s a way to find your direction and build momentum in your story—without losing your audience or your characters along the way.

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🧭 What Is Plotting in Writing?

Some writers prefer to write “off the cuff,” letting the story unfold in real time and revising later. Others create detailed outlines before the first word hits the page. And many (myself included) use a combination of both.

I’ve found that a flexible approach—plotting key points while staying open to surprises—helps me stay grounded in the story while leaving room for creativity.

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✍️ Plot Carefully—But Stay Open to Change

Sometimes when you’re writing a scene, the story takes an unexpected turn.

Your characters—who feel and act like real people—start making decisions you didn’t anticipate. And that’s a good thing.

As we’ve explored in other articles on character development, your characters’ goals, fears, and emotional needs will shape how the plot unfolds. So don’t be afraid to leave your original outline if a more compelling path appears.

Just make sure the scene still connects back to your overall story arc. You can do this by showing how the characters are impacted—emotionally or practically—by the change in direction. That’s how you stay true to both the plot and the heart of the story.

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🧱 Plot vs. Structure: What’s the Difference?

While the plot tells you what happens in your story—key events, conflict, and resolution—structure tells you how those events are arranged.

Plot is the journey.

Structure is the map.

We’ve all watched movies with beautiful visuals and strong acting, but the story felt confusing or unsatisfying. That’s usually a structure issue. Even a good plot can lose its power if it’s not organized in a way that builds tension, maintains clarity, and delivers emotional payoff.

Structure helps you place scenes, character beats, turning points, and emotional arcs in the right order. It’s what guides your readers through the world you’re building—and keeps them with you until the end.

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🧩 Your Story Is More Than Just Plot

When plot and structure work together, they serve the bigger picture: the story.

Your story is the full experience. It’s the combination of:

• Plot (what happens)

• Structure (how it’s told)

• Characters (who it happens to)

• Theme (what it means)

• Emotion (how it makes readers feel)

• Message (what they walk away with)

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✨ Keep Developing Your Style

Whether you plot every scene in advance or figure it out as you go, you are developing your unique writing voice—and your method will continue to grow with you.

Keep experimenting with plot, structure, theme, and emotion.

Keep refining your message.

Because the story God gave you is one that only you can tell.

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💡 Want to Learn More About the Writing Process?

Visit the Wise Thinkers Help Desk for a growing library of resources designed to help you write your book from start to finish. Whether you’re just beginning or deep in revisions, there’s something there for every stage of the writing journey.

Still feeling uneasy about sharing your work with the world? You’re not alone. A lot of people struggle with hitting the “publish” button. But that fear should not keep you from telling your story or sharing your beautiful truth. Find out how to build confidence in yourself and bravely share your work with others in the article Sharing Your Work Is Brave: Why Your Voice Matters let’s overcome fear together and continue to speak our truth to the world!

📚 And if you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nickerson — faith based author and inspirational storyteller. You can check out my books here or follow me on YouTube for more inspiration and encouragement on this writing life.

See what these principles look like in practice in the following reel.