Developing queries to expand your narrative concept
Tired of lousy story ideas? Need something that'll ignite your enthusiasm to start writing right now and not some nebulous "someday"? Well, we've got you covered!
This free Google Doc workbook is like a treasure trove of awesome concepts that are totally tailored to your unique style. Sign up, and you'll have the perfect story idea burrowing its way into your brain within minutes.
Not a fan of generic ideas? We didn't think so. That's why we developed this workbook with characters, settings, and conflicts that'll knock your socks off.
Let's get you started! Here are some sample questions you can ask yourself to flesh out your story idea, especially when you're starting from scratch.
When you have a character but no plot idea
Where's the most intriguing place for your character to live? Don't just pick any setting, it should be anything that brings out their best and worst qualities and complicates their life somehow.
What struggles does your character already face? A character's weaknesses can be a goldmine for your plot. Pick something they can't shake in order to create a formidable problem they'll have to conquer.
What's something your character would never want to happen? Take a wild guess, but it probably should happen. Just remember to throw in a twist that makes it the best thing that ever happened to them.
When you have a premise (a one-sentence summary of a story), but no plot
Why does it matter that it's this premise and not some other? Choose your premise wisely to ensure it packs a punch and has depth.
What are the consequences if the main problem isn't solved? The stakes should be high, so write about a catastrophe that's bigger than life.
What's different or unusual about the story? Keep it creative and fresh. Come up with a fresh take that'll leave readers breathless.
When you have a few plot events but no actual story
What led up to the current situation? Use cause and effect to fill in the blanks and create a rich backstory.
What should logically happen next? Don't leave your readers hanging or mind-numbingly bored. Keep them on the edge of their seats.
What are the consequences? Ensure every plot event paves the way for the next. Make your story develop naturally, instead of haphazardly jumping from one scene to another.
These questions will help jumpstart your creative process, but remember, this is just the beginning. To really capture your imagination and bring your story to life, check out our exclusive Genius Plotting System.
It offers an easy method for finding your plot, making outlines, and even discovering your protagonist's emotional arc. Don't push your writing dreams aside; invest in a story that'll keep readers glued to every word. You've got this!
Read more writing tips and get the best author tools at WriterLifestyle on Etsy.
- TheGenius Plotting System workbook offers a unique method for beginner writers to find their plot, create outlines, and discover their protagonist's emotional arc, enhancing their creative writing and novel writing skills.
- Follow the sample questions in the free Google Doc workbook to unlock story ideas, addressing aspects such as intriguing settings, character struggles, and fresh takes, providing writing inspiration for a captivating narrative.
- When you're stuck with a character but no plot, consider exploring unconventional living places for your character or identify their significant struggles, as these can be a goldmine for plot development and ignite your writing enthusiasm.
- For writers seeking to craft a compelling premise, contemplate the depth and significance of the chosen premise, the potential consequences of not solving the main problem, and the differences that set the story apart from others, ensuring a captivating entertainment experience for readers.
- To keep your writing process flowing and provide structure for your plot, check out the Genius Plotting System workbook for tips on outlining, planing plot events, and developing a captivating story with elevated storytelling elements, contributing to your overall writing lifestyle.
