There are few things more exciting for a writer than getting an idea for a story. Unfortunately, cracking the code to turn that idea into a compelling story takes more than inspiration. It requires a process of developing the story—taking a seed of an idea and working out its narrative potential through a series of exercises that ultimately yield a full story outline or screenplay ready for pitching.
Story development is a core skill all writers need to master and it can be done in many ways. Some writers prefer to plot the whole story before writing, while others write in a more organic manner and develop their stories as they go along. Regardless of your approach, learning how to effectively develop your story will help you avoid common pitfalls such as writer’s block.
Setting
Setting is a crucial aspect of any story and has the power to set a mood, convey a sense of place and time, and influence character behavior and dialogue. Whether you’re telling a story set in medieval Europe, the 1960s, or the future, it’s important to consider the world your protagonist will inhabit.
Character
The heart of any story is in its characters and a good story must have strong, well-developed protagonists. When developing your characters, think about their goals, motivations, and the nature of their conflict with each other. It’s also helpful to identify key supporting characters and explore their relationships with the protagonist and antagonist.