During the first online all-day... actually, soon after it started… I thought what a shame it would be if it only ran once every six months so it’s going to be a regular thing.
Every Monday up to six self-published authors and/or self-publishing experts discuss a variety of topics ~ see the main Monday Mini-fest for the details. These will all be moderated by Morgen so the participants have the opportunity to chat fully.
New to Self-Pub Fest? See the Participate page for details and/or email Morgen for the information pack.
On Monday 16th March 2026 @ 12pm (UK time), the panel listed below talked about plots: what a plot consists of (see below the recording), plots in our writing, the books we read, films we see, and more…
- Historical author and plotter Cristina Loggia
- Science-fiction, fantasy, cosy mystery, thriller and comedy author and puzzler David Wake
- Crime novelist, non-fiction author and plotter Denise Beddows
- Crime/women’s novelist and non-fiction author, Self-Pub Fest founder and plantser (mostly pantsing but some plotting) Morgen with an ‘E’ (host)
These are free events but we’re raising money for local book-related charities and we’d be really grateful if you would donate whatever you afford via the Charities & Donate page. Thank you so much.
The recording from this panel session is below…
So what are the elements of a book’s plot? A Google search says:
A book plot is the structured sequence of events driving a story, generally consisting of exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. These elements build tension, develop characters, and resolve conflicts, keeping readers engaged from the initial setup to the final, often transformed, state.
Core Elements of a Book Plot:
- ~ Exposition (Introduction): Sets the scene, introduces main characters, establishes the mood, and defines the “normal” world.
- ~ Inciting Incident (Trigger): An event that disrupts the protagonist’s normal life and initiates the main conflict/journey, say Reedsy.
- ~ Rising Action: A series of obstacles, conflicts, and challenges that increase tension, deepen character development, and lead toward the climax, notes The Wordling.
- ~ Climax: The turning point and highest point of tension/suspense where the protagonist confronts the main conflict, say Greer Glover.
- ~ Falling Action: The immediate aftermath of the climax where the story’s tension decreases and the consequences of the climax unfold.
- ~ Resolution (Denouement): The final outcome where the conflict is resolved, loose ends are tied up, and a new “normal” is established.
Key Supporting Components:
- ~ Conflict: The central struggle between opposing forces (e.g., protagonist vs. antagonist, nature, or self), say Author Learning Center.
- ~ Stake: What the protagonist stands to lose if they fail, which drives emotional investment.
- ~ Theme: The underlying message or main idea of the story.
- ~ Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told (e.g., first-person, third-person)