Here is another approach to plotting.
Step 1: Get a bunch of recipe cards.
Step 2: Jot down in a sentence or two the beginning scene. Then on another card the ending scene. On all the other cards jot down what scenes will lead up from the beginning scene to the end scene.
Step 3: Brainstorm "what ifs" to help you get from beginning to end.
Step 4: Ask yourself what motivates your character to do what he/she does and why. A character's motivation is the key to creating conflict. Your character also needs a goal so throw in obstacles to that goal, either internal or external or both.
