Developing story is the process of taking an idea and expanding it into a well-rounded story that is ready to write. The more you understand about this step, the better positioned you are to avoid the pitfalls that often lead to writer’s block.
Start with a clear concept. Grand ideas can feel intimidating, so it’s best to start small and build complexity as your story grows. This way, you can focus on the core of your narrative and ensure that every twist and turn contributes to the overall arc.
Establish your protagonist’s goal and the internal obstacles that will stand in their way. By exploring their quirks, fears, and desires, you can develop character arcs that are both compelling and believable. These arcs will help you create the outer conflicts that will drive your plot forward.
Exposition: Introduce your setting and characters. Establish their background and give your reader a crash course on the world they will be entering.
Rising action: Raise the stakes and build anticipation by presenting your protagonist with series of increasingly difficult challenges. Establish and escalate conflict in your supporting cast while deepening your protagonist’s relationships.
Climax: Reach the pinnacle of tension and resolve your hero’s struggle. Show how their journey has changed them and what they’ve learned from their trials.
Falling action: Explore the consequences of the climax and tie up any loose ends that remain. It’s important that your plot feels cohesive, resonant, and engaging, so be sure to consider all aspects of the story when planning it out.