Developing story is the process of taking an idea and expanding it into a compelling narrative with fully-fleshed out characters. It can take months—or even years—to get from a seed of an idea to a pitchable script.
The development process typically starts with brainstorming sessions, where writers explore a variety of ideas before selecting the most promising ones to develop. Then, they create detailed outlines and character profiles to map out relationships and conflicts throughout the narrative. Finally, they get feedback from peers or mentors to refine their work and ensure the story is consistent and logical.
Writers may adopt different approaches to the pre-writing process. Some, known as plotters, prefer to complete many of the development tasks before drafting. Others, referred to as pantsers, choose to take more of a spontaneous approach and discover their stories through the writing process. Many writers fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
Identifying core themes and incorporating them into the story are essential to crafting meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Themes align characters’ arcs and actions with the central ideas that the story is exploring, making them more cohesive and impactful.
Creating an engaging story requires building and escalating tension through conflict, action, and emotion. To do so, it’s important to establish an ordinary world that serves as the backdrop for your protagonist’s journey and introduce the initial conflict that sets them on their path. From there, you can begin mapping progressive complications that lead up to the climax.