Here’s a quick list of pre-writing story questions I’ve come up with based on a lecture given by Tony Daniel at Conestoga.

Story consists of character, plot, and setting. In a general way, describe the character, plot, and setting of this story:

Story problems are a ripple in the status quo. Describe generally the status quo and then describe who or what comes along and causes the ripple and its possible effects.

What will need to be done to reset the status quo?

What is the hero’s problem [How is what caused the ripple personal to the hero]?

What are some ways the hero can act on the problem to make the problem worse and increase her suffering [list at least 20]?

How can the hero deal with the worsened problem in a way that allows her to reset the status quo or what ways can the change in status quo change the character [list at least 20]?

Does the character suffer? Is the suffering both external[jeopardy] and internal[sacrifice]? Explain in a general way how this is so.

Story’s purpose is reader feeling. What feeling are you hoping to convey with this story? What do you hope the reader feels when he or she finishes reading this story?

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