"WHAT'S THE PLAN STAN?"

                                    The Essentials of Story Development

 

 

 

Most people exist in a state of unprepared awareness, whereas others don’t start their day without a plan.

 

However, if you’re a writer like me, you know the importance of having a plan and a great one for proper story development.

 

Tell me a story, but by all means, make it great, and it better make sense.

 

How do you do that? Well, it all starts with a plan and a few tips.

 

1. Structure and coherence. A well-developed plan almost guarantees that your story has a clear structure, with a beginning, middle, and end. It helps to establish a logical flow of events that makes sense to the readers or viewers. Without a plan, the story may become disjointed or lack consistency, leaving the audience dazed and confused, which equals disengagement.

 

2. Character development: A well-thought-out plan allows the development of consistent and believable characters. Mapping out backgrounds, motivations, and character arcs will ensure the actions, choices, and growth throughout the story are authentic and meaningful. It helps readers connect with the characters on a deeper level.

 

3. Theme exploration: A good plan is an excellent plan that enables the exploration and development of the underlying theme of a story. An awesome party starts with a premise, whether a birthday, wedding or whatever strikes your fancy. They give any story depth and meaning to convey significant messages or complex ideas. A carefully crafted plan enhances a story’s overall impact and resonance.

 

4. Plot progression: All stories have plots, whether diabolical or happy endings. But carefully structured, warranting that it progresses in a way that keeps readers engaged and invested. Any story worth reading possesses these main ingredients: tension, anticipation, and surprise. No one likes a plot filled with holes or inconsistencies.

 

5. Consistency and logic: What I hate most in stories are contrivances or contradictions that undermine my intelligence. So, why would we do that to readers? A well-thought-out plan shuts all of that down, plus you will have the elements, actions, and consequences in the story all make sense within the established rules and the world you’ve created.

 

6. Efficiency and focus: Developing a plan is necessary, but before diving into the writing process, you’ll need a roadmap, hence story development. It will provide that and save time and energy by eliminating chasing rabbits the entire time. Stay focused on the main story elements, avoiding unnecessary detours and inconsistencies by writing without direction.

 

To summarize, make a plan, develop that plan, and start with a solid structure. What we want is a coherent, and engaging narrative. Character development, theme exploration, plot progression, consistency, and efficiency ultimately enhance a story’s quality and impact.