Story development is the process of transforming a simple idea into a detailed, structured narrative. It involves outlining the narrative, creating character arcs, and establishing emotional beats that engage audiences. Story development is an essential skill for any writer, whether they’re starting from scratch or converting notes into a full script.
The first step in developing story is to find the “hot spots” within your ideas. This is where the potential for conflict and tension lies. It might be the inherent conflict in a conversation, or a situation where a protagonist could lose something important to them. Finding these hot spots can help you narrow down your options and decide which ideas to develop further.
When creating a story, consider the setting and time period. The setting will shape the tone of your story and set the stage for your characters’ journey. For example, a sunny park surrounded by luscious trees will set a different tone than a dark forest with crooked, gnarled trees. Also, take into consideration the setting’s era and historical context to create a believable world for your story to unfold in.
Developing stories differ from standard news reports in that they require ongoing information gathering as new details emerge. They often focus on current events, such as natural disasters or political scandals, and may be updated as more information becomes available. This requires journalists to be flexible and provide real-time updates to their audience, which can be challenging if they aren’t careful to verify their sources and collaborate with other news outlets for accuracy.