As a writer, coming up with a concept for your story is the first step in the writing process. It can be overwhelming to start with a blank page, but by following a few simple steps, you can develop a compelling story concept that will capture your readers’ attention. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to develop a story concept from the initial idea to a fully-formed plot.
Step 1: Brainstorm Ideas
The first step in developing a story concept is to brainstorm ideas. Start by asking yourself questions like:
- What kind of story do I want to write?
- What genre do I want to write in?
- What themes do I want to explore?
- What kind of characters do I want to create?
Write down all of your ideas, no matter how big or small. Don’t worry about whether they’re good or bad at this stage – the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible.
Step 2: Choose a Direction
Once you have a list of ideas, it’s time to choose a direction for your story. Look at your ideas and ask yourself:
- Which ideas do I feel most passionate about?
- Which ideas are the most original?
- Which ideas will resonate with my target audience?
Choose the idea that excites you the most and feels the most unique. This will give you the foundation for your story.
Step 3: Create Characters
Your story concept should include compelling characters that your readers will care about. Take some time to create characters that are interesting and multi-dimensional. Think about:
- What are their goals, fears, and motivations?
- What are their strengths and weaknesses?
- How will they change over the course of the story?
The more detailed your characters are, the more invested your readers will be in their journey.
Step 4: Develop a Plot
Now that you have your characters, it’s time to develop a plot. This is where your story idea really starts to take shape. Think about:
- What is the central conflict of the story?
- What are the obstacles your characters will face?
- How will your characters grow and change as they overcome these obstacles?
A good plot should be engaging and unpredictable, with plenty of twists and turns to keep your readers hooked.
Step 5: Create a Setting
Your story should take place in a rich and vivid world that your readers can immerse themselves in. Develop a setting that is unique and interesting, and that will add depth to your story. Consider:
- What is the time period or location of your story?
- What is the culture or society like?
- How does the setting impact the plot and characters?
By creating a vivid and immersive setting, you’ll transport your readers to a world that they’ll want to spend time in.
Step 6: Refine Your Concept
Once you have a basic concept for your story, it’s time to refine it. Look at your characters, plot, and setting, and ask yourself:
- Are there any inconsistencies or plot holes?
- Are there any areas that need more development?
- Is the concept unique and interesting?
Make any necessary changes to your concept until it feels polished and well-rounded.
Unless you’re a complete ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ type writer, developing a story concept is an essential part of the writing process. By brainstorming ideas, choosing a direction, creating compelling characters, developing a plot, creating a setting, and refining your concept, you can create a story that will captivate your readers from beginning to end.
Remember to be patient and persistent, and above all, enjoy the process of bringing your ideas to life. Happy writing!
melanie wass 