How to develop my ideas
by Precious
(Ghana)
Question: I have a plot in mind put it is very difficult to develop it. I don't know what to do. I have the idea but how to write about events and things is very difficult. Please what can I do?
Answer: A number of articles on this site are about developing a plot. Check out the section on story models and novel writing, for example.
https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/story-model.html
https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/how-to-write-a-novel.html
Another way to develop your story is to ...
1. Brainstorm a list of questions about your story idea. As many questions as you can think of. Then set the list aside for a few days.
2. Brainstorm a list of possible answers to each question. Write down as many possibilities as you can think of, even the crazy or stupid ones you would never use. Again, set these lists aside for a few days.
3. Go back and choose the answers you find most interesting and that work together.
4. Re-write your story concept to include your chosen answers.
Do this a few times and you will find your story becomes much more fleshed out.
As for the actual writing, give yourself permission to write badly at first. Writing is like playing a musical instrument. You have to practice. So go ahead and write a bad first draft of a scene/chapter/manuscript. Then write it again and make it better.
Re-write and revise until it is as good as you can make it. Then get some feedback from people you trust and re-write or revise it again.
It takes time, just like learning to play a piano takes time. But seeing your story get better at each stage is very rewarding.
Best of luck.
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