When writers are developing their story, it’s essential that they focus on establishing a clear, concise narrative that will engage the audience. This can be achieved by focusing on key elements such as the protagonist’s internal conflict, their main goal, and how their journey will culminate. The story should be crafted with the audience in mind, as this will shape how the story is told and what its main themes are.
Creating an outline or timeline can be useful for ensuring that all of the key plot points are included in the story. This can help the writer identify any potential holes or inconsistencies within their story and make corrections accordingly. Throughout the development process, it’s important to balance macro edits (like structure and character arcs) with micro edits (like grammar and style).
Every story begins with a seed, a captivating concept that ignites the imagination. It could be a compelling character, a transformative event, or a gripping situation. Once the writer has a solid core idea, they can cultivate it by building upon it with progressive complications that will lead to the climax.
The heart of any story is its characters. The key players’ goals, motivations, and trials and tribulations create the arc of the plot and keep readers turning the pages. To create this, the writer should start with their exposition and tease out their key protagonist(s) and antagonist(s). Then, they can develop these characters in earnest, exploring important characterization elements such as the goal, their backstory, and their conflicts.