Once you have the germ of a story, it’s time to develop that idea into a complete narrative. Developing story involves taking your concept, brainstorming on the direction it can be expanded into, and then turning that idea into a compelling story with fleshed out characters, immersive settings, and gripping conflict.
At this stage, many writers find it helpful to create a logline—a concise statement that captures the essence of the story—to keep their focus throughout development and drafting. Others may choose to do a character bio, world history, possible spin-off ideas, scenelets, or scraps of dialog. Over time, writers learn what sorts of things stimulate them to develop more bits of the story—and then they pursue those activities.
Next, you’ll start to tease out your key players—the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s) whose actions will create the central conflict. Identify their goals, motivations, and flaws to help give them depth and dimension. Then work to define the initial and progressive complications that will challenge their ability to reach those goals.
You’ll also want to establish the setting for your story, whether it be realistic or speculative. Detail the geographical location, historical context, and any fantastical elements to give your fictional world a sense of realism. You may also wish to explore narrative frameworks, like Joseph Campbell’s monomyth or Blake Snyder’s beats, to ensure your story has a well-structured, engaging plot. Lastly, don’t be afraid to add in powerful subplots. Just make sure they don’t detract from your main plot lines or overwhelm the core story.