Finishing a story feels amazing! Choosing the next story to write can be scary.
Even when you have a notebook full of ideas, it’s often difficult to land on what to write next.
So, in today’s post, we’re going to look at three strategies that will help you choose your next writing project, a story that you are excited to write, rather than wondering if you made the right choice.
1. For the Writer with a Journal Full Of Ideas
If you already have ideas collected in a notebook, start there.
Read through all of your notes and list out overarching story or plot ideas.
For now, leave the fragmented bits of sentences and characters aside.
After listing these plots, quickly rate each of them on a five-star scale.
Ask yourself:
How excited am I to write it?
Do I feel emotionally connected to this plot?
Does this plot have enough fuel to craft a three-act story?
Choose the story idea that scores highest or excites you the most.
Action step: spend 5 to 10 minutes ranking your current story ideas. Circle your top two.
2. For the Writer with No Clear Idea
If you have zero ideas in your back pocket or you’re feeling fuzzy on what you might want to write, try reflecting on the stories that engage you.
Learning to write for yourself first before considering your readers is crucial to remaining excited on your writing journey. You can learn more about that here.
Grab a piece of paper or your laptop for a journaling session.
Think about the books, movies, and experiences that hit you hard.
Ask yourself:
What themes intrigue me?
What emotions draw me in?
What are my favourite genres?
What are my favourite tropes?
Imagine what your story might look like if you blended these together.
Action step: Free write for 10 to 15 minutes on the story you might want to pursue.
Use your answers to the questions above and trial an idea that incorporates them.
Always ask yourself: what story do I want to read?
3. After Landing on a Potential Story
Sometimes, even when we’ve landed on a story idea, we’re still apprehensive.
We worry that this story might not be right for us or that even though we’re excited right now, our motivation will fizzle out before the end.
Before committing to a full rough draft, test out your story.
Write the story idea at the top of your page.
Then, write a one-page summary of your plot or a short scene idea.
Pick the scene that is clearest in your mind, the one that you’re most excited to get to.
If doing this for more than one idea, reread them all and notice which one pulls you in. That’s the story you’re committing to.
If you’ve only written for one story, set it aside for a day or two and recognize if your mind wanders back to it. That means you have more to say.
Action step: pick one narrative and write for 30 minutes. Evaluate your excitement and well of ideas around this plot.
It can take time to choose your next story.
Try not to rush the process or get overwhelmed when you draw a blank.
Story ideas will return to you.
Read, journal and spend time experiencing. All of this is food for your creative inspiration.
If you’re looking to reconnect with your creativity, check out The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This 12-week process will help rekindle your inspiration!
Over to you!
In one sentence, share a story idea that captures your excitement.
Landed on your story idea and now need help with planning?
Check out this blog post for a quick guide on using Lisa Cron’s scene cards to plot your story.
Talk soon!
Julia
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