Develop Your Story

Developing a story is the process of taking an idea from seed to draft. This can be a daunting task for some writers (known as plotters) and not all (known as pansters). Developing a story requires examining the five essential elements every story must have: Setting, Character(s), Conflict, Plot Events, and Theme.

Starting with a solid premise can help you avoid writer’s block and ensure your story has narrative potential. A premise is a concise statement that outlines the central idea of your story at a high level. It is the first step in building a story that can engage your readers and inspire them to continue reading.

Develop your main character and explore their journey. Establish their background, goals, and flaws to create a well-rounded character who will drive your story forward. Create dialogue samples to give your characters their distinct voice and personality. This will also make it easier for you to write their actions and reactions as the story progresses.

Establish the world in which your story unfolds, including any historical context, technological features, or fantastical elements. Create rules governing the story’s universe that must be followed in order to maintain a sense of believability.

Identify the core theme of your story, a message that will convey deeper meaning and encourage insights into universal human experiences or moral lessons. Theme can be communicated through characters, plot events, or the overall tone of your writing.