I think you've done a great job of identifying the challenges of story idea development. The Expand Method you outline is very similar to mine (as documented in my book Story Ideas Unleashed!).
For many new authors, finding story ideas is a major challenge. For those with more experience, building out the initial idea becomes the issue.
After being in the writing business for a long time, I find I have more ideas than I know what to do with. (Which is not a bad problem to have.) Turning an idea into a completed story concept, let alone taking it to the point of being a publishable story, is a major undertaking.
I found gen AI is enormously helpful when taking a raw idea and turning it into a polished story concept. Again, you are right on target when you talk about using a structured approach. Without that structure, it is easy to wander aimlessly while generating a massive amount of information that becomes a hinderance rather than being helpful.
While putting through Story Ideas Unleashed, I seemed to come up with half a dozen solid story ideas a day. The challenge was picking the ones that I was most interested in and going with them. Right now, I have outlines for three series of books, each in a different genre, that have between five and ten novels per series.
I think your process will give folks more than enough to work with.
I always love articles that help expand my promoting skills. I’m either guilty of not giving AI enough to work with, or try to do too much at one time. This is super helpful.
so helpful! thank you.
Great article!
I think you've done a great job of identifying the challenges of story idea development. The Expand Method you outline is very similar to mine (as documented in my book Story Ideas Unleashed!).
For many new authors, finding story ideas is a major challenge. For those with more experience, building out the initial idea becomes the issue.
After being in the writing business for a long time, I find I have more ideas than I know what to do with. (Which is not a bad problem to have.) Turning an idea into a completed story concept, let alone taking it to the point of being a publishable story, is a major undertaking.
I found gen AI is enormously helpful when taking a raw idea and turning it into a polished story concept. Again, you are right on target when you talk about using a structured approach. Without that structure, it is easy to wander aimlessly while generating a massive amount of information that becomes a hinderance rather than being helpful.
While putting through Story Ideas Unleashed, I seemed to come up with half a dozen solid story ideas a day. The challenge was picking the ones that I was most interested in and going with them. Right now, I have outlines for three series of books, each in a different genre, that have between five and ten novels per series.
I think your process will give folks more than enough to work with.
Lol. I have too many ideas and not enough time! Even with AI’s help.
This is amazing! Thanks for the comprehensive write-up.
When I try this, I'll likely use the Creative Writing Coach Custom GPT - it's already dialed in with a persona that offers writing feedback.
I always love articles that help expand my promoting skills. I’m either guilty of not giving AI enough to work with, or try to do too much at one time. This is super helpful.