Writing a story involves crafting a narrative that engages readers by transporting them into another world. Whether it’s a fictional tale or a true-life experience, the key objective is to convey a message or impart an emotion. To do that, there are several key elements that are essential to developing story:
Choosing characters: Develop a list of potential characters and their unique traits, motivations, and conflicts. Once you have a good understanding of your characters, think about how their actions will affect other characters. This will help you establish your narrative’s tone and develop conflict between the characters.
Setting: Establish the time period and location where your story takes place. This will give your audience a sense of immersion and helps them picture the environment, such as an urban city or a quiet countryside.
Theme: Consider the moral, philosophical, or societal theme that you want your story to communicate. You may not know the core theme until you start drafting or even after the first draft, but it is important to keep it in mind. Themes can be conveyed through recurring motifs or symbols that reinforce themes and add depth to the narrative.
Plot: Introduce obstacles and challenges for your protagonist that will create tension. This will build toward your climax and keep the reader engaged. Your climax should be exciting and memorable, and it should also resolve any unfinished subplots.
By following these simple steps, you can begin to develop your story and take it from a kernel of an idea to a draft ready for rewrites. And while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for taking an idea from seed to draft, the more you practice this skill, the better your work will become.