Developing Story Ideas: Five Essential Sources of Inspiration

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

When it comes to developing story ideas, a common issue I encounter with writers is that many don’t have a clear conception of what a story is. They often come to me with ideas that they think are stories but are, in fact, just arenas or premises. What I’d like to do here is briefly define what a story is and then look at five key areas where writers can look to help them generate viable story ideas. First, let’s start by looking at arenas, and then clarifying the differences between story ideas and arenas.

1. What is an Arena?

An arena is essentially the setting for your story. It’s a unique, interesting, or even quirky location where your story takes place. While having a strong arena is essential, it does not equate to having a story.

A story, on the other hand, is the telling of an event that happens to an individual or group of individuals. Something has to happen in order for there to be a story about it, and it also has to happen to somebody. At the end of the day, a story is all about a character who undergoes some kind of transformation as he or she pursues a goal. That’s story.

Examples of Arenas vs. Stories

• The only POW camp for women in World War II Japan. This is an intriguing arena, but it's not a story. Why? Because we have no idea who the main character is or what their story is about.
• The International Space Station spinning off into outer space. Again, an exciting arena, but it doesn’t tell us anything about the characters or their journey.

These examples illustrate settings rather than stories. They don’t give us insight into who the characters are, what obstacles they face, or their goals. To transform an arena into a story, you need to flesh out the characters and their journey within that setting. For instance, consider the show Six Feet Under. The arena—a family of undertakers—presents an interesting backdrop, but the story emerges from the characters and their interactions within this setting, as well as the various goals they each pursue along the way. The bottom line is that arenas are not stories. However, they’re a wonderful place to start generating interesting story ideas. The key is to discover who the story is about and what actually happens to them on their journey.

2. What-If Premises

Another effective method for developing story ideas is to ask "what if" questions. These questions can help you come up with an original story idea or explore potential narratives within your chosen arena:

• What if Joseph Mengele had lived? This premise led to a story about his hypothetical trial for crimes against humanity.
• What if the Tate murders hadn’t been accomplished by the Manson family? Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood explores this what-if scenario, creating a fairy tale version of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Asking "what if" questions helps you delve deeper into your story idea, allowing you to explore different possibilities and character journeys.

3. Starting with a Theme

Another common starting point for writers is a theme. A theme represents an argument or a message you want to communicate to your audience. However, starting with a theme can be risky because it often leads to preaching rather than storytelling. Regardless of your perspective—liberal, conservative, religious, or non-religious—focusing too heavily on a theme can border on propaganda. However, when done correctly, starting with a theme can lead to some very powerful storytelling.

For example, P.T. Anderson’s Magnolia started with the theme of forgiveness, exploring the idea that the sins of the parents are passed down to the children. He wanted to know what had to happen to break this generational pattern. The answer? Repentance and forgiveness. This theme informed the entire narrative, making the film a compelling argument for the necessity of repentance and forgiveness.

When working with themes, it's essential to frame them as arguments. This approach ensures that everything in your story supports your theme, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative. However, it's often more effective to develop a strong story first and then consider how your theme emerges naturally from the narrative.

4. Writing What You Know

The advice to "write what you know" can sound limiting, but what it actually means is to write from a place of familiarity and passion. If you don’t know something, research it. Become an expert in your topic to write about it convincingly. This approach allows you to write about unfamiliar subjects with authority and depth.

Additionally, write about what excites you. Passion fuels creativity and sustains you through the long process of writing a novel. Chasing trends or writing about what’s popular rarely leads to excellence. Instead, focus on what genuinely interests you and what you’re passionate about exploring.

5. The Importance of Characters

At the heart of every story is a compelling main character. Start by understanding who your primary protagonist is, what makes them tick, and what their wound is. This character-driven approach ensures that your story is grounded in a relatable and engaging narrative.

At the end of the day, we won’t care how cool your premise is or how fresh the arena seems. All we will care about is who the story is happening to, because the heart of every story is a personal paradox. So, the number one place to find a great story is to create a great character and give him or her a clear goal to pursue. Once you start putting obstacles in their way, your story will unfold accordingly.

Assignments for Story Development

To develop your story idea further, consider the following exercises:

1. Identify your arena. Determine if you have a story or just a setting.
2. Explore what-if premises. Brainstorm different scenarios and see which ones resonate.
3. Develop your theme as an argument. Ensure it’s a compelling and clear message.
4. Research and write what excites you. Focus on areas you’re passionate about.
5. Deep dive into your main character. Understand their wound, goal, and journey.

By working through these exercises, you'll be better equipped to develop a compelling and well-structured story. Remember, it all starts and ends with your main character.

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Zena has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as a writer, producer, director, actress, and story consultant. Zena also teaches advanced classes on writing all over the country. As a writer, Zena has won numerous awards for her work. She also has several feature film projects in development through her independent production company, Mission Ranch Films. In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Zena launched The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, a podcast designed to serve the whole artist, not just focus on craft. In 2021, Zena launched The Storyteller’s Mission Online Platform, where she offers advanced classes and other key services to writers. Zena loves story and loves to support storytellers. Her passion is to equip artists of all levels to achieve excellence at their craft, so that they will truly have everything they need to change the world for the better through story.

To find out more about Zena or her current courses and projects, check out her websites at WWW.MISSIONRANCHFILMS.COM and WWW.THESTORYTELLERSMISSION.COM