You also need to do some research to make sure your story is accurate and realistic. Here are some steps to help you develop your novel idea:
Write an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a one-sentence summary of your novel idea that captures its essence and hooks your reader. It should include your main character, their goal, the conflict they face, and the stakes involved.
For example, “A young wizard must defeat a dark lord who killed his parents and threatens to destroy the world.” An elevator pitch can help you clarify your novel idea and test its appeal.
Create a premise
A premise is a statement that expresses the core message or lesson of your story. It should answer the question: what is your novel trying to say?
A premise can help you focus your novel idea and guide your writing. For example, “Love is stronger than hate.” or “Power corrupts.”
Develop your characters
Your characters are the heart of your story. They are the ones who drive the action, face the challenges, and grow as a result. You need to create believable and relatable characters that your readers will care about and root for.
To do this, you need to give them names, appearances, personalities, backgrounds, motivations, goals, flaws, strengths, and arcs.
You also need to create relationships between them and make them interact with each other in realistic and meaningful ways.
Build your setting
Your setting is the world where your story takes place. It can be realistic or fictional, contemporary or historical, mundane or fantastical.
You need to create a vivid and immersive setting that suits your story and enhances its mood and tone.
To do this, you need to describe its physical features, culture, history, politics, religion, technology, magic, etc. You also need to show how your setting affects your characters and plot.
Plot your story
Your plot is the sequence of events that happen in your story. It is what happens to your characters as they pursue their goals and overcome their conflicts.
