Developing story is more than just getting an idea—it’s the process of building it into a fully developed narrative. Whether you’re writing or pitching, it’s a critical skill that every writer must master. This article will walk you through the various techniques involved, from understanding what a plot is to creating a complete structure and writing it all down.
Managing the complexities of developing stories
Typically covering significant events, developing stories can change rapidly as new information emerges. Journalists must balance speed with accuracy to keep audiences engaged with real-time updates. This requires constant monitoring and the need for ongoing investigation. In addition, the rapid changes can lead to misinformation if journalists rush to publish without proper verification. This article will examine the various challenges of reporting on developing stories and provide a number of best practices to help ensure accuracy while also providing timely updates.
Setting the stage
A well-developed setting helps readers feel immersed in your story’s world. This is especially important if your story takes place in a fictional setting like a fantasy kingdom, modern city, or historical period. To make your world believable, set the scene by establishing its rules and describing the physical environment and character traits of your setting.
The climax is your protagonist’s greatest challenge. It can be a life or death situation, a moment of crisis, or any other type of dramatic moment that forces them to choose between two things they care about. Developing the story’s climax includes identifying the inciting incident and laying out the progressive complications that lead to it. It also involves defining your antagonist and establishing their motivations and background, which can intensify the conflict.