Handling New Ideas

What if [insert amazing story idea here]…. This is often how I come up with new ideas. It might be a random thought, an observation, maybe even a dream (which is where my latest WIP came from 💡 ) No matter how ideas come about, there has to be a way to bring them to life. I use a four step process to insure that, whatever it is, it’s something I’d like to spend time on.

1. WAIT ⏱

My first step is to wait. I let the idea sit around and see what it does. If it’s something I’m really into, it will sit in my head and refuse to leave. This past NaNoWriMo, I was working on a story I really loved. Then I had a dream about a completely different story! What’s a girl to do? As I was in the middle of NaNo, I decided to wait, and figured it would dissolve into some old thought I once had a dream of. Nope! Boy, was I wrong. The idea bothered me constantly. I would always think about it and ask myself questions and wonder. How would marriage work? Why would society be arranged in this way? I found myself craving answers. So, I moved on to step 2.

2. BRAINSTORM🤔 

The next step is to brainstorm. I did this using Ulysses, my favorite writing program, which you can read all about here. I started by writing out the gist of the plot and, because it’s utopian, elements of the story world. I did my best to answer the questions that had, for lack of a better word, plagued me. I also researched character names and generally described each MC. I picked out my POV and decided on 3 first person POVs (I feel crazy just writing it 😬). I spent some time getting to know the story. It was far from done (I’m still figuring out certain details), but it felt good to get all of my ideas down on paper. I used this time to work out little plot details and just get excited because OMG I have a solid idea! I printed out my brainstorm sheet and made little notes where I needed to figure out certain things. It was time for step 3!

3. WRITE 💻

I know, I know, you’re thinking “Isn’t this a FOUR step process? How come writing is step 3?” My next step is to try writing the idea. Because you can plan out all you want, but nothing beats putting yourself into the characters’ shoes and writing. Sometimes it just isn’t possible to write something. Not every idea is a good fit. And that’s O-K. By trying it out, you can find if you like these character’s enough to become them every day. I know this also sounds bonkers, because you create the characters, so why wouldn’t you like them, am I right? But…characters have a funny way of becoming their own person with their own ideas and plot twists. Nevertheless, make sure this is a story you could foresee a future with. Think of it like finding a boyfriend…sure you pick out the guy you go out with, but it might not be the best fit. And why would you want to date a guy who you wouldn’t want to spend time with and who you don’t see a future with? Point made…it’s time to move on to step four, the final step.

4. PLAN 📝

Step four isn’t completely necessary, and it fully depends on whether you fancy yourself a plotter or a pantser. I myself am a plotter, so this step is very very necessary. I use this time to really get to know my story and my characters. I write up scene plans and fill out character worksheets. On her website, Jill Williamson offers character worksheets, and Go Teen Writers (which Jill writes with fellow authors Stephanie Morrill and Shannon Dittermore) has scene planners too. I took each one and formatted them to form worksheets, which I color coded and changed fonts for (I’m a real sucker for cute fonts).

Recently, I've become obsessed with outlining and its many possibilities. If you'd like to hear about them, you'll find the article here.

In conclusion, I wait, brainstorm, write, then plan. This process isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found it really helps my stories along. I love this process because it allows me to be flexible while remaining prepared.