Kate
Based in the UK, Kate has been writing since she was young, driven by a burning need to get the vivid tales in her head down on paper… or the computer screen.
Storytelling
Developing Story Ideas
- Level:
- Novice
- Lessons:
- 12 Lessons
- Reading Time
- 46 min read
Have you ever had an idea that felt just out of reach? Or so many ideas competing for your attention that you don’t know where to start? Often, we have a concept we love but are not sure how to develop it into a compelling story.
This course will guide you through that creative process, from a raw concept to a concrete premise. We’ll explore techniques for brainstorming freely and how to develop those initial sparks by focusing on genre, a character, or a unique worldbuilding detail.
Section 1
Introduction
1
Capturing Story Ideas
Turn off your inner critic and explore various methods for coming up with new story ideas.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
2
Organizing Your Story Ideas
Use a triage method to prioritize your creative ideas and choose your next writing project.
- Reading Time
- 3 min
- Level:
- Beginner
Section 2
Starting with a Genre Spark
1
Using Genre as Your Blueprint
Use genre conventions and creative blends to build a unique foundation for your story.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Novice
2
Developing Theme from Genre
Turn abstract genre conventions into a central thematic question to shape your characters and world.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Novice
3
Raising the Stakes
Set the tone and conflict of your story by defining the internal and external stakes.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Novice
Section 3
Starting with a Character
1
Defining the Internal Obstacle
Deepen a character concept by establishing the past trauma and false beliefs that drive their story.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
2
How Character Influences Genre
Use your character's core struggle to find the right genre and sharpen your theme.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
3
Increasing the Pressure through the World and Cast
Design a supporting cast and world that challenges your protagonist's Lie and force them toward growth.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
Section 4
Starting with a World Building Detail
1
Starting with a Seed Detail
Learn to identify a world-building detail with story potential and test it for narrative strength.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Novice
2
Building the World Around Your Detail
Answer the questions your seed detail raised by building a focused, layered world.
AI
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
3
Finding the Fault Lines
Discover the tensions hiding in your world, find the characters standing on either side, and choose your story's direction.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
4
Deepening Tensions in Your Story's World
Give your characters personal stakes, find the opposing force, and identify the trigger that could crack your world open.
- Reading Time
- 4 min
- Level:
- Beginner
This course is taught by:
Further reading
Some related resources that you might find useful: