A story’s development is the process of transforming an idea from its spark of inspiration into a complete narrative. It’s the work of expanding a simple premise into an immersive world, compelling characters, powerful themes and a gripping plot. It’s a journey that every writer will experience, from the moment they get their first half-decent idea to the day they’re pitching it to studio executives. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to this work; some writers, known as plotters, spend most of their time preparing for drafting while others, called pantsers, do very little prep and discover their stories while writing. However, developing a story can be made easier by understanding the techniques that professional writers use.
Developing a story requires identifying the most important underlying themes and ideas you want to explore, and developing character arcs that allow your protagonist to develop throughout their journey. These defining moments will help to create a sense of tension and urgency that drives the story forward, ensuring readers will be engaged.
Often these moments are defined by the conflict your protagonist is facing, such as an external threat or their own internal flaws. But they can also be rooted in the setting you’re writing about, such as an invading army or a bustling city that suddenly plunges into darkness. Whatever the stakes, they must be incredibly high to keep your reader invested in your protagonist’s journey and provide a climactic resolution at the end of your plot.