Finding the Form of a Story

Idea Journal

Collecting raw story ideas in my messy book before they find their form.

I've always believed that stories are magic, malleable things that will find their own forms -- sometimes they will be games, other times novels, television, films or comics. As a creator working across multiple mediums, I want to share a bit of my journey bringing these stories to life. At present, I am working on several projects that each demand their own unique medium. Much of it, I cannot yet discuss, but I will share what I can.

There's something about how a story reveals its true form to you. Sometimes it happens in an instant - a flash of inspiration that shows you exactly how the tale needs to be told. Other times, it's a slower process of discovery, like getting to know a new friend. You might start writing what you think is a novel, only to realize that the story's heart beats strongest when it's shared around a table, dice rolling and possibilities unfolding.

When I sit down with a new idea, I write it first in my story journal. I use a fountain pen. I write in cursive. I open my book to a new page and just start. The words are messy and flow uninhibited on to the page. I try not to force it into any predetermined box. I begin with a short one-page story to work out the foundation. Then I listen to what the story wants to become. This approach has led me down unexpected paths, each one teaching me something new about the craft of narrative.

Each format - whether prose, sequential art, film, or game design - offers its own unique tools. The trick isn't to bend the story to fit the medium, but to recognize which medium will best serve the story.

I will share more about these projects as they take shape. For now, I will record the journey - successes, failures, and everything between. I hope you'll join me as we explore storytelling.