A successful story concept

Larry Brooks has written bestselling writing books, teaches popular workshops, and offers a story coaching service. His Story Engineering book defines the Six Core Competencies to write a structurally and thematically sound novel or screenplay.

This Story Plan is based on Larry's “First Core Competency,” which is “story concept”. A concept is an idea that asks an intriguing question. It's a snapshot of the story that presents a dramatic and compelling 'what if? A good question demands an answer. Your story is that answer.

To learn more about Larry's books and work, visit Storyfix.com.

The secret of a successful concept is to move from the situational to the actionable.

These prompts ask you to define your story considering action and momentum. Then you put it all together to create your story concept.

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Project name

Write a ‘What if?’ story statement that suggests the action and momentum of your story.

Write a ‘What if..?’ story statement that suggests a state-of-being leading to a call to action.

Write a ‘What if?’ story statement that suggests a moving and evolving set of images and possibilities.

Write a ‘What If?’ story statement that suggests a character discovering of a journey.

Story concept

Combine ideas or use one of these to create your own story concept

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