Story Outlines

Crafting a Story Outline from a Seedling Idea

Starting a new story when you’ve got nothing more than a flicker of an idea can feel like standing in front of a blank canvas, brush in hand, uncertain where to begin. But fret not, fellow writer! Crafting a compelling story from a mere glimmer of inspiration is an art unto itself.

Step 1: Grasp the Essence Begin by clutching onto the essence of your idea like a treasure hunter with a map. What’s the core concept, the pivotal moment, or the compelling character that sparked this idea? Maybe it’s a fleeting image of a character grappling with a moral dilemma or an intriguing setting brimming with untapped potential. Jot down this essence in simple, straightforward terms.

Example: Imagine a character who discovers a mysterious old book that grants them peculiar powers.

Step 2: Establish the Pillars With your essence in hand, erect the pillars of your story structure. Consider the fundamental elements that form the backbone of any tale: characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. Flesh out these pillars without looking too deep into specifics yet. Sketch the outlines of your protagonist, the world they inhabit, the challenges they face, and how they might overcome them.