Develop Your Story
Developing your story is the process of taking a kernel of an idea and turning it into a fully-fleshed out script or pitch. It’s a critical step in turning your dream into a reality.
Exposition
Set up the world of your story, including its geographical location, historical context, and any fantastical elements that contribute to the setting. This often comes early on, but it can be woven throughout the narrative to create depth and resonance with your audience.
Inciting Incident
Introduce the drama with a moment that leaves your protagonist facing an existential threat. This will usually be a dramatic, world-altering event that sets the story in motion.
Rising Action
Build up tension through your protagonist’s recurring struggles. These trials should be progressively more difficult and increase their stakes as they move closer to the climax.
Midpoint Twist
Introduce a game-changing revelation or event at the halfway mark. This should be a surprise to readers, yet feel earned in hindsight.
Climax
The decisive moment when all of the ‘yes, but’ and ‘no, and’ moments you’ve built up throughout your rising action come to a head. It’s at this point that your protagonist’s character has evolved in a meaningful way, and you bring the external plot to a satisfying conclusion.
Themes add layers of meaning to your narrative and leave a lasting impression on your audience. They can be subtle or obvious, and your characters should react to them authentically. For example, a theme of redemption could be developed through your protagonist’s struggle to overcome their flaws and make amends with past mistakes.