Developing story is the process of transforming an idea into a complete narrative, including characters and themes. It’s a journey that takes time and requires both inspiration and perspiration to create a compelling, pitchable screenplay.
Start by identifying the central theme of your story. Identifying the theme early on will help you shape and craft your narrative, guide character arcs, and determine plot structure. Many screenwriting programs offer templates, outlining features, and character management systems that can facilitate this process.
Once you have a clear sense of the narrative’s tone, choose a working title. This is a placeholder that will help contextualize your story and can be a valuable tool when it comes to choosing creative elements like setting, dialogue, and style.
Then, dive into the exhilarating process of writing your first draft. Learn techniques to overcome writer’s block, maintain consistency, and bring your characters and world to life. Experiment with storytelling frameworks, like Joseph Campbell’s monomyth or Blake Snyder’s beats, to ensure your story stays on track and holds reader interest.
Whether your narrative is set in a real place or in an alternative universe, make sure to fully develop your story’s setting. This will save you hours of editing time down the line. Leaving important details undeveloped will leave your readers feeling confused and disengaged. Start by establishing the rules of your world, whether they are technological, historical, or societal and maintain consistency to create a believable environment.