Developing story is the process of taking an initial idea or concept and turning it into a detailed storyline, complete with characters and conflict. It’s a crucial step in creating a narrative that captures an audience and maintains their engagement.
Once you have your GMC in place, it’s time to start thinking about your character arcs and plot points. Having a good understanding of these elements will help you develop and draft your story with ease.
During this phase, you should also pay attention to your setting and time period. Doing so will help you create a visual representation of your story world and set the mood for your scenes. For example, a sunny park where happy families are spending their day will look different than a dark forest full of crooked trees and low-hanging fog.
Many writers struggle during the development stage, which is normal. Trying to force an idea that hasn’t fully sprouted yet is like trying to get a pumpkin vine to instantly produce rose flowers. During this time, it’s important to find ways that help you develop new ideas and keep the momentum moving forward.
A good way to do this is by brainstorming and jotting down all the ideas that come to mind. After that, pick the ones that feel most promising and begin to explore their potential. This includes creating an inciting incident, identifying the protagonist’s flaws and internal journey, and outlining the key beats of your story.