creative writing short story brainstorm

✍️ 200+ Short Story Ideas (and How to Come Up With Your Own)

Are you ready to write but don’t know what to write about? Prepare to kick your writing into gear by browsing through our list of 200+ short story ideas. New prompts are added each week, and you can search by genre. But don’t let our categories stop you from putting your own spin on a writing prompt: if you find a short story idea tagged as sci-fi, but you think it would make a great romance plot, run with it! For tips on how to come up with your own story ideas, scroll to the bottom of the page.

We found 539 stories that match your search 🔦

A character who loves reading finds out that their library has just been forbidden from carrying banned books.

A character doesn't know how to break up with their partner, and keeps putting it off until the very moment that the partner bends down on one knee and proposes., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

Curated writing inspriation delivered to your inbox each week.

One character wants a snake, but their roommate has a phobia. They adopt one anyway.

For years, four characters have met for a monthly card game. write a story in which one character realizes that another is cheating., you visited a psychic for romantic advice. instead, they tell you that your spouse has a secret., a character doesn't know how to ask their parent to stop calling them 2+ times a day., a pair of best friends realize they're two corners of a love triangle — they both have feelings for the same person., top 10 story ideas... just for you.

Want a story idea right away? No problem! Here are our top ten favorite story ideas for you to use:

• A group of villains go on a team-building retreat.
• You are granted one wish. But you have to use the wish for someone else.
• Instead of trying to get a man on the moon, every nation raced to be the first at the very bottom of the ocean.
• Money really does grow on trees and is heavily regulated by governments.
• A plane takes off with 81 passengers. It lands with 82.
• You are home alone watching TV. A character dials a number on their phone. Your phone rings.
• You open a fortune cookie at a Chinese restaurant. Inside is a handwritten note.
• A magician, a troll, and a college student walk into a bar.
• It is the year 3000. The sun starts to flicker.
• An optimist becomes a pessimist. Why?

Top 10 short story ideas... also for you! 

Everyone who writes short stories out there knows that short stories are different — and not just because they’re, well, shorter. So if you’re seeking a short story idea, we’ve got you. Here are our favorite bite-sized short story ideas:

• Turn one of your grandparent's old stories into fiction.
• A romance told through a series of texts.
• Two people are playing chess. One person can read minds, the other person can see the future.
• Write a story that draws from a moment in your life where you wish you'd made a different choice. Have your protagonist make that choice, and then see what happens.
• Amazon has invented time travel and introduced pre-emptive shipping. Today, you receive something completely unexpected from your future self.
• Write about the way the sunset looks from the perspective of two characters. One is sad, the other is happy.
• A wand-maker goes to the forest ready to work, only to find a group of environmentalists camped out in front of their favorite hemlock tree.
• Pick a genre and then write about a long walk home after school.
• The last person on earth celebrates their own birthday.
• A team of scientists have successfully teleported an apple. It reappears with a bite taken out of it.

How to come up with short story ideas yourself

We get it: writing prompts are an excellent resource, but you want to know how to come up with your own story ideas, maybe even ideas for a book -length project. Here are four of our go-to tricks when thinking of interesting things to write about.

1) People-watch:  Hands down, this our favourite way to come up with story ideas. All stories, even ones about robots or plants, have some element of humanity at its core. There are therefore a countless number of stories to be found by observing human nature. 90% of the prompts included in our  writing prompts newsletter  are inspired by simply staring out a window and watching people go by.

2) Forget what you already know:  Have you ever become trapped in a “but why?” loop with a child? It’s enough to make your head spin or an existential crisis occur. But if you can return to this sense of curiosity and wondering you had as a child, you can find a treasure trove of short story ideas to be found. Take in your surroundings and ask yourself  why  things are the way they are.  What if  they were different?  What  would that look like and  how  would it work?

3) Use your day job:  If you feel like you have the most interesting job on the planet, well, perfect! It shouldn’t be hard to use it as plot-fodder for a great short story. On the other hand, if you find yourself yawning a lot at work, ask yourself:  What could happen to make this work day interesting?  Let’s say you work as a receptionist but your real passion lies with art. Write a story about a receptionist who sees a colleague hang a new piece of art in their cubicle — one the receptionist recognizes as being famous for going missing a century ago.

4) Read:  Imagine walking up to a piano and trying to make beautiful music without ever having heard it played before. You need to consume great short stories in order to know what you enjoy about them. Figure out what you like, and you’ll be on the path to great writing topics.

Ready to start submitting your short story to writing contests? Find the right one for you in our  list of writing contests .

Looking for writing tips? Sign up for our free course:  How to Craft a Killer Short Story .

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So, you've decided to write a short story! Many a published author got their starts from publishing short stories. It's the perfect medium for so many authors: succinct, clear, character-driven, and brief...

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14 Strategies For Invention Writing / Story Brainstorming

Learn several strategies for kickstarting your creativity and building the foundation of your novel.

The Ancient Greeks had the Nine Muses, the goddesses of inspiration. Today, some of us have to look to other sources beyond divine intervention to find the spark of creativity for our stories. Maybe you have an idea and need help to flush it out, or maybe you don’t know where to start. 

Invention writing is a fancy way of saying brainstorming - the beginning of the writing process, where you’re collecting your thoughts for what you want to write, and what the story should contain. This process can be as in-depth or minimalist as you want it to be. If you’re suffering from writer’s block, invention writing can help stimulate creativity, and possibly show you a way out of your predicament.

In this article, we’ll present some invention strategies to get those creative juices flowing and inspire some story ideas. National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo) kicks off in a few weeks, making now a great time to sit down for some brainstorming sessions, to turn vague ideas into something compelling enough to write about.

Tailor the strategies below to your creative writing process. No brainstorming technique works well for everyone. Feel free to mix and match from the suggestions below to create your own brainstorming routine, and you’ll have novel ideas flowing in no time!

‍ What is Invention Writing?

Sometimes called pre-writing, this is the stage of the writing process before writing a first draft,  where writers discover potential ideas and decide what they will write about. Before planning a book, identifying your key concept or theme is required first. Finding that spark of inspiration or collecting, organizing and relating ideas in a way you can move to the plotting phase is what invention writing is about. 

‍ Brainstorming Vs Plotting

Brainstorming is a free form of concepts, including events, traits, settings, and other elements that make up a story. This is not to be confused with plotting. Plotting, or deciding on a book’s structure, is about determining the sequence of events within a story. It’s a description of what happens and why it happens. 

Pro Tip: For an example of plotting, read What is a Five Act Story Structure .

‍ 1 - Pick a genre

Emotions are the backbone of any story, but how they are portrayed depends on the type of novel you want to write. Think about what you like to read, what stories appeal to you, what types of scenes or feelings you enjoy writing. Use those indicators to point you toward a genre or a combination of genres. Love space and love stories? Write a soap opera in a galaxy far, far away. Fascinated with the paranormal and history? Craft a ghost story that occurs in ancient china. With a genre and setting chosen, consider what kind of person your main character would be.

‍ 2 - Use a writing prompt

Many people look to writing prompts to spur creativity. Having the theme or topic of your story selected for you can take the pressure off and cause inspiration to hit. By narrowing the thought process down to a specific sandbox to play in, guardrails are created that story ideas must live within. These guidelines help keep you focused and on task. 

‍ 3 - Freewriting

Developed by Peter Elbow in 1973, freewriting is a writing strategy where you throw all the conventions of writing, grammar, sentence structure, style, and form out the window. Instead, you jot down your thoughts as they come to you during short writing sessions. This invention exercise allows you to tap into your stream of consciousness and keep words flowing uninterrupted. Let one thought lead you to another. Even if the events you write don’t work out, you're figuring out what you do and do not want to write. 

‍ 4 - Play “What if”

Neil Gaiman suggests typing the words What if at the top of a page and listing twenty scenarios. They can be related to your character, your theme, or an event. For example, what if:

I suddenly developed a super power

I discovered a secret room in the building I work in

A magic spell turns all the writing in the world into Sumerian cuneiform, or Egyptian hieroglyphics, which only a few people can read.

A race of aliens develops a written language of pictographs which are essentially just cat memes.

A peer reviewer reading a research paper about Mesopotamian artifacts discovers the writings contain an apocalyptic prophecy eerily similar to modern events…

Follow any of those that interest you with “and then” jotting down what might happen next.

‍ 5 - Take a page from History.

Diana Gabaldon’s highly successful Outlander series was born of the concept of trying to prevent one of the greatest massacres in human history. By wrapping the events of her story around a true historical event, the author has a starting point to start inventing plot points and characters. Phillip L. Dick took this a step further in The Man in The High Castle by speculating what the world would be like if Hitler had won World War II. History abounds with moments ripe for the picking.

‍ 6 - Fix a plot hole

A few years ago HBO’s Game of Thrones ended in a way that left many viewers unsatisfied. While some of us took to the internet to share our thoughts, others sat down and wrote the ending they wanted. E. L. James was a fan of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight but thought it could be spicier. Fifty Shades of Grey was the result. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare was inspired by Harry Potter . This list goes on and on.

Fanfiction is a great invention technique because you can play in an existing world with established characters or create new ones. Or, in cases like Wicked , tell the story from another character’s perspective. The possibilities are endless.  

‍ Pro-Tip: Fanfiction is not about copying other people’s ideas. That’s plagiarism. Depending on how close your final manuscript comes to the original source, crediting the author for the inspiration is always a good idea.

‍ 7 - Visualize it

Either manually with a sheet of paper or a computer program, or mentally with a mind map, put all your ideas in one place and try to connect the dots or arrange them into groupings that naturally fit. Seeing the main points of the setting, characters, and concepts come together on a page can help form the structure for your story.

‍ 8 - Double Entry Listing

Maybe you have an idea of what you want to write. More linear than the mapping up above, try a version of word association. Create two columns. In the first column, write a word or a phrase that relates to the theme or concepts you want to be in your story. In the second column, list the detailed evidence or ideas that can support those themes and concepts.

‍ 9 - Take a personality test

Typically, we think about the hook, the actions or events that inspired our characters to make the life-altering decisions that propel them toward change. But take a moment to think about the characters themselves. Determining the fine details of a character can inspire plot points. For example, if the character has red hair and an Irish background, they may not enjoy spending all day at the beach without sunscreen. 

But the exterior of a person is only the tip of the iceberg. Fleshing out the personality or backstory can influence your story’s core themes, your character’s motivations, and your story beats. Consider figuring out their Enneagram or Myers Briggs personality types to use as a guide on how your character might react to certain situations.

Pro Tip: Do a character interview and answer questions about life, love, and goals as your protagonist or antagonist. Here’s a template you can pull from if you need help coming up with questions.

If you’re writing the story from a first person point of view, this might be a critical part of the creative process, as you hone in on the character’s voice. Consider writing a short story to get to know this character for the first time, to make sure you’re comfortable with it before committing to writing their perspective for hundreds of pages.

‍ 10 - Listen to music

Music and feelings go hand in hand, and melodies and lyrics can not only move us, they can transport us to another time. Use this powerful way to tap into emotions and explore. Take the lyrics of a song that speaks to you and craft your story around them. Or imagine the story you are about to write is a movie, and the song is the soundtrack. What scene would it play to? 

An added advantage here is down the road when you are writing your book, you can listen to this song to get you back into the groove (pardon the pun) that inspired you.

‍ 11 - People Watch

Stepping away from the keyboard and venturing out into the real world to visit a public location like a coffee shop, a sporting event or even a doctor’s office waiting room can be a rich source of inspiration for stories. A casual conversation can lead to an interesting line of dialogue for your new character. Pick a person and create a backstory for why they are there that day, how they got there, and what motivated them to make the decision to stay. 

Don’t feel like going outside or observing people outside of your immediate area? Hop on YouTube and search topics that interest you. A virtual tour of a resort on an exotic island might spur story ideas. 

‍ 12 - Navel Gaze

Have you ever wished you had a do-over? Could have said that one thing to that one person? Made a different choice in life? Sandra Cisneros said, "Writers always live their lives facing backwards, [considering] things we said or could have said, or things we wish we could take back. The work we do is precisely about trying to clean up the mess we made, the kind of emotional footprints we leave behind, or the mess we inherit."

Why not use the chance to redo your own history as the inspiration for a story? Explore the consequences of an alternate reality. 

‍ 13 - SWOT Analysis

Got an inkling of an idea and need a way to figure out the details? Try this well known strategic planning technique that goes beyond a pros and cons list. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Take your concept and fill in each category. For example, if your idea is about a frog hero:

‍ Strengths

Ability to jump across gaps

Can breathe in and out of water

‍ Weaknesses

Small size - they have to be careful not to get stepped on!

Struggle in dry environments

‍ Opportunity

Frogs are not typical hero material

In fairy tales, frogs tend to turn into princes

Might be hard to create empathy for a frog

Can you make a frog look heroic?

‍ 14 - Act like a journalist

When researching an article, a good reporter asks six essential questions. Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. Apply these questions to your own story to figure out what angle you want to take with it, or what gaps you need to fill in. For example, sticking with the frog hero story idea above:

Who is the frog?

What kind of frog is he or she?

Where does the frog live?

Why is the frog a hero?

How is the frog exposed as the hero?

‍ Let the brainstorming begin

Whether you’re looking for a new idea to write about or just after a way to organize your thoughts, invention writing is an important stage of the writing process. Try one or more of these brainstorming methods to see what stirs up your inspiration!

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How to Brainstorm a Story: 10 Tips to Get Started

by Gatekeeper Press | Nov 2, 2022 | Writing

It never fails. You are driving along and suddenly think of the most amazing idea for a story. It is brilliant. But thanks to distractions encountered along the way, by the time you get home that amazing story idea has vanished into thin air.

Or, how annoying is it to sit down, ready to fire off a great essay, and absolutely nothing—zilch—comes to mind? You sit there staring at the blank document as if in a trance with nary a topic or vague idea of what to write about.

Do not fret! When these moments of blank space occur, there are some excellent brainstorming techniques to utilize that can help jumpstart the creative process. Continue reading to learn the best tips for how to brainstorm a story.

How to Brainstorm a Story: Top Tips

Idea generation doesn’t need to be a struggle! For writers who may feel hopelessly bereft of plot ideas to write about, review these 10 tips to start the creative juices flowing:

Tip #1: Draw a Word Map

Create a word map during a brainstorming session to help shake some story ideas loose. Grab a piece of paper and write a word in the center and circle it. For example, you might want to explore ideas around the topic of homesteading. Write homesteading inside that center circle, and then create tangents around that topic pointing to associated words. These might be country living, simple life, raising chickens, homeschooling, and gardening. From there, let the ideas flow and soon you will have an enjoyable story about moving to the country.

Tip #2: Consider the Reader

Write with a reader persona in mind. What kinds of topics would that persona be interested in reading about? What kinds of storylines would excite them? When you write with the reader in mind it helps propel the storytelling. Imagine you are in a room together and you are narrating it to them.

Tip #3: Free-Write

Too often writers attempt to force the creative process. Free-writing is a technique that allows ideas to emerge organically. Simply open a new document and start to type anything that comes to mind… musings, dreams, concerns, interests, whatever pops into your head. Don’t think, just type.

Tip #4: Use Writing Prompts

One way to bust out of writer’s block is to use writing prompts. These are creative writing ideas that can be accessed via writing prompt generators. These apps provide a kaleidoscope of story prompts. Let your imagination run wild and you will soon be amazed at just how creative you really are. Go to: https://www.servicescape.com/writing-prompt-generator or https://thestoryshack.com/tools/writing-prompt-generator/ .

Tip #5: People Watch

For rich sources of storytelling inspiration, find a location where there is ample people-watching potential. A shopping mall, an art gallery, a popular park, or even a grocery store can provide a bounty of brainstorming ideas for your next novel.

Tip #6: Read!

The most talented writers are usually voracious readers. Do yourself a favor and consume as many books as you have time for. The practice of reading expands your mind (and vocabulary) and inspires new ideas for your next story.

Tip #7: Character Build

Try starting your new story with the main characters in mind instead of the plot. Develop the characters’ personalities, descriptions, backgrounds, and endearing flaws in great detail, and then let their story emerge.

How to Brainstorm for an Essay: Top Tips

Brainstorming for an essay can be a slightly different process than for other types of literature. Follow these tips for how to effectively brainstorm for an essay:

Tip #8: Set a Goal for Yourself

Because essay writing requires a more condensed process, it helps to set some benchmarks for yourself, as well as a completion deadline. Setting a goal for the essay helps to keep the writing momentum moving forward.

Tip #9: Investigate Adjacent Academia

Find inspiration from academics in the field in which you are writing. Broaden your own knowledge base by reviewing essays and academic works from other authors who have written on your subject material.

Tip #10: Re-Read Past Work

Repurpose an earlier essay by diving deeper into an interesting topic that you had previously only touched on. Your current essay provides an exciting opportunity to investigate the subject further.

With these tips, hopefully, the brainstorming process won’t be too much of a hassle. You have hundreds of brilliant ideas ready to come forth if you unlock your creativity!

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Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing.

Creative Ways to Brainstorm Story Ideas

By Becca Puglisi

Inspiration is a fickle beast. She strikes at inopportune times (3 AM, anyone?) then disappears for months on end. She doesn't call, she doesn't write. Or maybe she treats you differently, pouring on so many ideas that you can't tell the golden nuggets from the stinky ones.

Finding and prioritizing story options can be a frustrating process, but it's easier if you approach it from the right angle. Here are a few possible starting points.

Start with Genre

We know that emotions are transferrable, from author to page to reader, so writing something that gets you excited pays off in dividends.

• What do you like to write?
• What do you like to read?
• Which kinds of stories are you passionate about?

Do you like fantasy? Which elements? Think dragons, portals, evil wizards, shapeshifters—then consider how those elements might be reimagined.

Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series gave us a whole new take on dragons, turning them from marauding villains into loving creatures that impress upon humans at birth and use their fiery powers for good.

Then, twenty years after the first book was published, she released the dragons' origin story and how humans first came to Pern. While the previous books were straight fantasy, this one was also science fiction, showing the settlers traveling to the new world and using their technology to establish communities and bioengineer full-blown dragons from foot-long fire lizards. Dragonsdawn is an innovative blending of the sci-fi and fantasy genres in a way that was new and entirely fresh.

So think of the genre you want to write, then tweak the standard conventions to create something new. Or blend your preferred genre with another one and see what ideas come to mind.

Start with Character

Everyone's process is different. It's one of the things I love about the writing community—the vast diversity of thought and method that can birth uncountable stories. Maybe you're the kind of writer who's drawn to characters. They come to you fully-formed, or you have an inkling of who they are before you have any idea what the story's about. If this is you, start by getting to know that character.

• If you have a good idea of their personality, dig into their backstory to see what could have happened to make them the way they are.
• If you already know about their troubled past, use that to figure out which positive attributes, flaws, fears, quirks, and habits they now exhibit.
• What inner need do they have (and why)?
• Which story goal might they embrace as a way of filling that void?

Characters drive the story, so they can be a good jumping-off point for finding your next big idea.

BONUS TIP: For an easy-to-use, comprehensive tool to build your character from scratch, check out our Character Builder .

Start with a Story Seed

But maybe it's not characters that rev your engine. When I'm exploring a new project, I have no idea about the people involved. Instead, my stories typically start with a What if? question.

• What if a man abandoned his family to strike it rich in the California Gold Rush—what would happen to them?
• What if all the children under the age of 16 abruptly disappeared?
• What if someone's sneezes transported them to weird new worlds?

Four helpful tips:

• If story elements, plotlines, and unusual events get your wheels turning, brainstorm those areas.
• If inspiration strikes when you're neck-deep in research for your current story, write down those potential nuggets.
• Use generators to explore concepts you wouldn't come up with on your own.
• Keep a journal of any possible seeds for future stories so you have options.

Start with a Logline

If you've got a vague idea of something you might want to write about, a great way to explore it is to create a logline—a one- or two-sentence pitch that explains what your story is about. Here's an example you might recognize:

A small time boxer gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

Writing a logline for a story idea enables you to flesh it out and experiment with its basic elements. The process of test-driving your idea with different protagonists, goals, conflicts, and stakes can turn a boring or already-done concept into an entirely new one that you can't wait to write.

BONUS TIP: For more information on how to write a logline, see these posts at Writers Helping Writers and Screencraft .

Start with GMC

Debra Dixon's Goal, Motivation, and Conflict teaches authors how to use these foundational elements to plan and enhance a story. But the same principles apply to fleshing out a story idea .

If you're thinking about a certain goal ( it's a story about someone who has to stop a killer/find their purpose/plan a wedding ), play with various conflicts and motivations. Throw ideas into the hopper and see what pops out. Keep turning the handle to produce concept after concept until one of them strikes your fancy.

Listen, we all know the importance of writing what we're excited about. Without that passion, writing becomes a slog and our stories end up partially finished on a back-up hard drive instead of filling people's bookshelves. So when it comes to story ideas, let your imagination run riot. Consider all the options, no matter how far out they are or uncomfortable they make you feel. Don't stop 'til you find the one that gets you going.

Then get going.

BONUS TIP : For a comprehensive guide on brainstorming ideas and planning your story (as well how to draft and revise it), check out the One Stop for Writers' Storyteller's Roadmap .

Tell us your most creative brainstorming methods and tips below!

About Becca

Becca Puglisi  is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of  The Emotion Thesaurus  and other resources for writers. Her latest book ( The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles ) released in 2022 with a second volume coming out this fall. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her  Writers Helping Writers  blog and via  One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online resource for authors that's home to the  Character Builder  and  Storyteller's Roadmap  tools.

13 comments on “Creative Ways to Brainstorm Story Ideas”

I almost always start with character. I know their flaws, what they need to learn, and why that is so hard for them. Then I have to find things for them to do, on the road to discovering it. Not sure it's the best way, but also not sure I can do it any other way.

Great post, Becca!

This is the beauty of the writing process: there is no wrong way. We're all looking for that magical formula that works for us, and it doesn't look the same for everyone. Sounds like you've found the best way to come up with your story ideas, and that's what matters.

Thank you for the inspiration, Becca! This helps to fill my creative cup today. Also, cute author pic. Looks great! Kris

I'm so glad you got something useful from it. And thank you! It was ten years since the last one was taken and I was a little nervous about the results—not being a huge fan of the ten-year challenge, lol. But I'm happy with how it turned out. 🙂

I tend to start with a character and something a little bit longer than a logline, maybe a paragraph.

Fantastic article. The bonus tips are helpful.

I love your new photo! I need a new one too and really dislike getting my picture taken. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Yes, it helps to be recognizable, lol. I like your process. Knowing a little bit about the character AND the story is a good base of information.

Thanks for the thought-provoking post. My light bulb is often turned on by high-drama events...events that readers know the ending to, but my characters have no clue about.

My first novel is set against the 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed San Francisco in 1906. This became a historical romance with multi-cultural complications. Another book was sparked by the making of the film "Some Like It Hot" in the 1950s with Marilyn Monroe. This became a women's friendship story, with a dash of romance...and a murder. My WIP is set against the bombing of Hiroshima. This one is a WWII story told from the female perspective and it centers on forgiveness...including forgiving yourself.

I guess that's a long way of saying that visiting a place and learning about a significant event that happened there is what gets my brain to storm.

Love this! History (and the modern world, frankly) are full of inspirational moments and people. It's just a matter of figuring out a new angle to explore those stories from.

Great advice, Becca. Like Laura, I also start with my main character. I like to sit down and have a long talk with them before I start writing. I need to get to know them on a deeper level before telling their story. In fact, the more I get to know them, the more they will start telling me their own story! I figure the more real the character is to me, the more real they will become to the reader.

Sounds like a great place to start!

great ideas.

Thanks for reading, Denise!

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Brainstorming Template

Brainstorm ideas & characters for your novel

You have an idea for a story. It's just a spark at the moment, but you can't stop thinking about it. Now is the time to harness your creative energy and turn your idea into something real. And brainstorming is the perfect technique for the job.

This template and the steps below will help you turn your initial story idea into something real. Online brainstorming means you can invite others to contribute ideas wherever they're located. This template is part of our guide on How to plan a novel .

• Explore ideas
• Organize visually
• Collaborate in real-time
• Gather feedback
• Export to PDF

How to use this template

Whether you’re writing a novel or a screenplay, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of brainstorming ideas in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

1. Start with an empty template

The Brainstorming template contains empty notes for your ideas and concepts, placeholders for images, video and links.

Create a new board for your brainstorm.

Create a new board

Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

Choose the Brainstorming template.

Choose a template 

Each new board gives you the options to start with a beautiful template.

2. Write your central topic

What's the central idea or concept for your story? This is your starting point. It might be just a rough idea at the moment or a topic that you want to explore, but this process will help you see how far you can take it. Add a note that describes your concept in 1 to 2 sentences to get started.

Add a note to describe your central idea.

Drag a note card onto your board

Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left-hand toolbar.

4. Add the key themes

Next, write out the themes related to your idea. Some starting themes could be an era, setting, characters, or conflicts but there are no rules about how you do it.

Type your key themes into the lines.

5. Add as many ideas as you can

Now it's time to get creative. Start adding any ideas that relate to your main concept. Think about different parts of your story, locations, characters, or even the history of your topic. Explore every thread until you fill the board. Setting a timer for 5 minutes is a great way to create a sense of urgency and prevent you from judging your thoughts.

Add a note for each idea.

6. Add inspiring imagery, motion & sound

Sometimes it's easier to communicate an idea with an image or video, especially if it's a mood or style you're trying to express. Gather reference imagery, videos, and sound and add them into the mix. Images can help define things like fashion, character attributes and emotions, scenes, and more.

Use the built-in image library.

Use the built-in image library

Search over 500,000 beautiful photos powered by Unsplash then drag images straight onto your board.

Upload images to your board.

Upload a file or document  

Click the "Upload file" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio, and much more.

7. Evaluate your ideas

Now’s the time for critique. Run through the ideas again, this time critically evaluating them against the original concept.

If you have a writing partner, ask them to choose their favorite ideas and explain why. Be prepared to share your thinking and welcome suggestions and improvements. Encourage constructive debate. If an idea isn't dramatically improving the story, put it aside. You can always return to it later.

Invite someone else to edit to your board.

Invite editors to your board

Open the "Editors" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.

Start a comment thread.

Start a comment thread

Drag out a comment from the toolbar on the left and place it on your board. Other editors can reply to your comment.

Mention teammates to get their attention.

Mention teammates to get their attention

Type '@' in any text field to mention someone who has access to your board. They'll receive a notification and be able to respond to your comment.

You're done!

Now that your brainstorming session is complete, you have a strong foundation for your novel! Remember, just as creativity and inspiration are constantly evolving, so are ideas. Come back and add to the brainstorm when inspiration strikes.

Start Brainstorming

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Five Different Brainstorming Techniques for Authors

You know your story is brewing somewhere inside you, waiting to come out. You open up a new project in Dabble, ready to write a bestseller.

And you type: It was a really, really cold day. So cold, Lisa was chilly.

Riveting, right? So you don’t write the best opening line ever. What’s the big deal? You can always fix it later—for now, it’s on to the next words.

But they never come. Writer’s block , clogged pipes, brain fart—whatever you want to call it, something is stopping your story from coming to life.

The ideas aren’t right, the words are worse, and you actually hate your characters right now.

We’ve all been there. 

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help out: establish a writing habit , read great books about writing , or try some writing exercises to kick-start your creativity.

But one of the best things you can do to get your imagination going is some good ol’ fashioned brainstorming.

If brainstorming seems daunting or you’ve had less-than-stellar success in the past, don’t fret. In this article, we’re going to look at a bunch of different brainstorming exercises, including:

• Using bullet points
• The Plot Grid
• Connecting branches
• Testing different perspectives

By the time we’re done, you’re going to have a bunch of new tools in your writing toolkit to brainstorm amazing ideas and help you write your best novel.

How to Brainstorm for Your Novel

There isn’t a right or wrong way to brainstorm a novel. Just like writing itself, whatever gets your brain working is somewhat unique to you.

That’s why I’m coming at you with a whole bunch of different ways to brainstorm. Give them a chance if they seem like they might work for you. Take what works and forget the rest!

Up first is a crudely named yet incredibly effective technique called word vomiting. More well-mannered individuals than myself might also refer to it as freewriting. What can I say? I’m more about writing sassy villains than stalwart knights.

Whatever you call it, this brainstorming technique looks to lower all those inhibitions and crippling self-doubt that’s keeping your creativity on a short leash.

Word vomiting means exactly what it sounds like: you just let the words spill out onto the page/screen. Even that can be easier said than done, though, so here are some tips for freewriting:

Do it in bursts -  Like nausea, creativity comes in waves. Sometimes the best way to freewrite is to set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes before taking a break. During that time, don’t stop writing. We aren’t looking for perfect; we’re just looking for words. Take a break once the timer is up, then rinse and repeat. (We also have a completely free online writing sprint tool you can use for this!)

Manuscript or outline? -  Your word vomit can help for both writing your first draft and coming up with new ideas for your plot, characters, and settings. Choose what you want to brainstorm before you start, and focus your bursts on that.

Don’t worry -  What you come up with while word vomiting isn’t meant to produce flawless work. You’re going to need to revise your work , likely more than what you produce during a normal writing session. But the whole point of word vomit is to get you writing so your momentum can carry you through to the good stuff.

Bullet Points

Another useful brainstorming technique is using bullet points. This method is great for writers who prefer a more structured approach to generating ideas. Instead of free-flowing sentences, you create a list of bullet points outlining your story’s plot, characters, and setting.

Bullet points allow you to focus on the key elements of your story without worrying about the details. You can start with a basic outline and add more details as you go along. This method is also useful for breaking down complex ideas into manageable pieces.

When using bullet points to brainstorm, it’s important to remember that the goal is to generate ideas, not to create a polished draft. The purpose of this exercise is to get your creative juices flowing, so don’t worry too much about the order or structure of your bullet points. You can always refine and organize them later.

Here are some tips for using bullet points in your brainstorming process.

Keep it simple -  Don’t worry about making your bullet points look perfect or follow a specific format. The point is to get your ideas down quickly and in a way that’s easy to read and understand. You can always go back and reorganize or expand on them later.

Focus on quantity -  When using bullet points to brainstorm, you want to generate as many ideas as possible. Don’t worry about whether they’re good or bad, just get them down on paper. This will help you see the bigger picture of your story and give you plenty of material to work with when it’s time to start writing.

Group your ideas -  Once you have a long list of bullet points, start looking for patterns or connections between them. Grouping similar ideas together can help you identify themes or subplots in your story and can also help you see where you might need to fill in gaps or add more detail.

One thing I  love  about using bullet points is that it can be a helpful technique for both plotters and pantsers . Plotters can use bullet points to create a detailed outline of their story, while pantsers can use them to generate new ideas and keep track of their thoughts as they write.

One of the most powerful tools available to writers is built right into Dabble: The Plot Grid .

The Plot Grid is a versatile, fully integrated part of Dabble that lets you manage subplots and relevant notes that attach directly to each scene in your manuscript.

But how can you use this awesome tool to brainstorm? I’m glad you asked.

While having your notes automatically integrate with your scenes is nice, the real brainstorming benefit of the Plot Grid is its visual representation. Since everything other than your written paragraphs are drag-and-droppable in Dabble, the Plot Grid lets you experiment with a lot of “What If?” scenarios.

What if I put this scene in the haunted house instead of the school? What if the meet cute actually took place a chapter later in the story? What if a pivotal scene was actually about the antagonist instead of the hero?

Here are a few tips for using the Plot Grid to brainstorm your writing.

Visual changes inspire plot changes -  Even if the changes don’t stick, simply moving pieces of your story around can inspire creative changes in your plot. Some of those changes could even come from moving parts of entirely different sections around.

Create copies -  It’s as easy as clicking the three dots beside your Plot Grid in the nav menu and choosing “Copy Plot Grid.” This lets you mess around with an identical version of your Plot Grid without fear of ruining what you have.

Unlimited flexibility -  Though the columns of the Plot Grid are most often used for subplots, you can really use them for anything. I use columns for settings, POV, romantic interests, character arcs, red herrings, and more. You have the same flexibility to drag and drop in these columns as if they were for subplots. So go wild and see what inspires you!

Connecting Branches

Another powerful visual brainstorming technique is connecting branches. This method involves making connections between different elements of your story to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.

To use this technique, start by identifying the different elements of your story, including scenes, characters, and settings. Then, connect these elements by thinking about how they relate to each other. For example, you can connect scenes by actions and reactions, characters by relationships and conflicts, and settings by events and meaning to characters.

By connecting these different parts, you can create a more complex and nuanced story that engages your readers and keeps them invested in your characters and plot. This technique is especially useful for writers who want to create intricate plots with multiple subplots and characters.

When using connecting branches to brainstorm, it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different possibilities. Don’t be afraid to make connections that may seem unconventional or unexpected. These connections may lead to surprising plot twists and character developments that make your story more memorable.

Now, let’s move on to three tips for using connecting branches in your brainstorming process.

Experiment with different types of connections -  There are many ways to connect the different elements of your story using branches. You can connect characters by their relationships or conflicts, settings by their relevance to the characters, or scenes by their actions and reactions. Try experimenting with different types of connections and see what works best for your story. You might find that one type of connection works better than another or that a combination of different types of connections is most effective.

Use visual aids -  Connecting branches can be a visual way to help you see how different elements of your story are related. Use different colors or shapes for different types of connections to make them easier to distinguish. You can use software tools like MindNode or draw them by hand on a piece of paper. Whatever works best for you, make sure to keep your connections organized and easy to understand.

Keep revising -  Connecting branches can be a useful tool for brainstorming and outlining your story, but don’t be afraid to revise and change them as your story develops. As you write and revise your story, you may find that some connections no longer make sense or that you need to add new ones. Don’t be afraid to make changes and adjust your connecting branches as needed to ensure that they accurately reflect your story.

Test Perspectives

Finally, we come to one of my favorite ways to brainstorm your current scene: test it from different perspectives. I am  obsessed  with writing from multiple perspectives ; I think it adds so much depth to both the story and the characters.

When a scene just isn’t clicking or having the effect you want, that’s where this brainstorming method comes in. By writing the same scene from different character viewpoints, you can explore different angles and gain new insights into the story.

To start testing perspectives, choose a scene that you’re having trouble with. It can be a pivotal moment in the plot or a minor interaction between characters. Then, rewrite the scene from the perspective of a different character. You might be surprised at how much this changes the tone and impact of the scene.

When testing perspectives, it’s important to remember that every character has their own unique worldview and experiences. So try to get into the mindset of the character you’re writing from. What are their motivations? How do they perceive the other characters? What emotions are they feeling?

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of testing perspectives:

Choose characters strategically -  Don’t just choose any character to write from their perspective. Choose characters that will provide a unique insight into the scene. For example, if you’re writing a scene about a breakup, you might write it from the perspective of both people involved or from the perspective of a close friend or family member.

Pay attention to details -  When writing from a different character’s perspective, pay attention to the details that might be important to them. What do they notice that your main character might not? How do they interpret certain actions or words? By focusing on these details, you can add depth and complexity to your scene.

Compare and contrast -  After you’ve written the scene from different perspectives, compare them side by side. How are they similar? How are they different? What insights did you gain from each one? By comparing and contrasting, you can choose the best perspective to move forward with and create a more nuanced and powerful scene.

Write Your Best Book

No matter which method you choose, brainstorming is just one part of the novel-writing process. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back for every step of the journey.

To boost your writing knowledge, check out the hundreds of free articles we have on DabbleU . Become an expert on characters, conflict, genre, and everything you need to write your best book.

For a step-by-step guide to writing your first draft, download our free, 100+ page e-book, Let’s Write a Book   right here . No strings attached.

You don’t need to do this alone, either. Head on over to the Story Craft Café , an online community of writers who are there to share your writing journey with you.

And finally, harness the power of a writing tool made for fiction writers, by fiction writers. You can try all of Dabble’s premium features, including the mighty Plot Grid, for free for 14 days. You don’t even need to enter your credit card number to get started, you just need to click here .

Doug Landsborough can’t get enough of writing. Whether freelancing as an editor, blog writer, or ghostwriter, Doug is a big fan of the power of words. In his spare time, he writes about monsters, angels, and demons under the name D. William Landsborough. When not obsessing about sympathetic villains and wondrous magic, Doug enjoys board games, horror movies, and spending time with his wife, Sarah.

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Story Brainstorming Template: Craft Engaging Narratives

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

1. Introduction: Unleashing Your Creativity with a Story Brainstorming Template

2. the importance of a structured approach: how a template can enhance your storytelling process, 3. key elements of a story brainstorming template: exploring character, plot, and setting, 4. getting started: step-by-step instructions for using the story brainstorming template, 5. proven techniques for developing compelling characters: adding depth and complexity to your narratives, 6. uncovering unique plot ideas: strategies for generating unexpected twists and turns, 7. creating rich and vivid settings: transporting your readers to imaginary worlds, 8. putting it all together: turning your brainstormed ideas into a coherent and captivating story, frequently asked questions, future outlook.

When it comes to creating captivating stories, having a structured brainstorming process can greatly enhance your creative output. With our Story Brainstorming Template, you’ll be able to easily craft engaging narratives that captivate your readers from start to finish. Let’s dive right in and explore the different components of this powerful tool.

1. Characters: Every good story needs interesting and relatable characters. Use this section to brainstorm the main characters of your story, their personalities, backgrounds, and any character arcs they may undergo throughout the narrative.

2. Setting: The setting of your story can play a vital role in creating a rich and immersive experience for your readers. Jot down ideas for the world your story will take place in, including locations, time period, and the atmosphere you want to convey. Consider how the setting may influence the plot or character development.

Are you ready to unlock your inner creativity? Look no further than our Story Brainstorming Template! This powerful tool is designed to help you tap into the depths of your imagination and generate compelling story ideas. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a content creator, or someone who simply loves to tell stories, this template will be your ultimate companion in unleashing your creative potential.

With our Story Brainstorming Template, you’ll never have to face a blank page again. It provides a structured framework to guide you through the brainstorming process, allowing your ideas to flow freely. This template is divided into different sections, each targeting a specific aspect of your story. From developing captivating characters to creating intricate plot twists, the template covers it all. You’ll find prompts and helpful tips to ignite your imagination and ensure your story is engaging and well-crafted.

• Get the creative juices flowing with thought-provoking prompts .
• Develop unique and relatable characters that resonate with your audience.
• Construct a captivating plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
• Explore different settings and worlds to enhance the story’s atmosphere.
• Create memorable dialogue that brings your characters to life.

Unleash the full potential of your storytelling abilities with this Story Brainstorming Template, and watch your creative endeavors awaken. Get ready to embark on exciting journeys, create unforgettable characters, and captivate your audience with your imagination. The only limit is the sky, and even that can be bent to fit your narrative. Let the Story Brainstorming Template be your guide on this exhilarating adventure!

The importance of a structured approach in storytelling cannot be emphasized enough. Having a clear template to guide you through the process can greatly enhance your storytelling abilities. Here are a few ways a template can benefit your storytelling process:

• Organize your thoughts: A template provides a framework that helps you organize your ideas and ensure that your story flows seamlessly. It serves as a roadmap, allowing you to outline the key elements such as the introduction, plot development, climax, and resolution.
• Improve coherence: By using a template, you can ensure that your story has a logical progression and connects all the important dots. It helps you avoid unnecessary tangents or plot holes, ensuring a coherent and engaging narrative for your audience.
• Elevate storytelling techniques: A template allows you to experiment with different storytelling techniques, such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, or multiple perspectives. By providing a structure, it gives you the freedom to explore and refine these techniques, adding depth and intrigue to your story.

Creating a solid template tailored to your storytelling style can help you consistently produce captivating stories. Embrace the benefits of using a structured approach and let your imagination flourish within the framework, resulting in powerful narratives that captivate and resonate with your audience.

When embarking on a new writing project, a story brainstorming template can be a lifesaver. It helps to organize your thoughts and pave the way for a compelling narrative. In this article, we will delve into the key elements of such a template: character, plot, and setting, and how they can elevate your storytelling to new heights.

1. Character: Every great story is driven by its characters. Whether it’s a protagonist grappling with personal demons or an ensemble cast embarking on an epic adventure, well-developed characters can captivate readers from start to finish. Use the template to jot down information about your characters’ background, personality traits, motivations, and conflicts. This will help you shape multidimensional individuals who resonate with your audience.

2. Plot: A compelling plot keeps readers engaged, turning page after page. The template provides a space to outline the key events and conflicts that drive your story forward. Consider the main arc, subplots, and plot twists that will keep your readers on their toes. Think about the challenges your characters will face and how they’ll overcome them. By organizing your plot points, you can ensure a cohesive and gripping narrative.

3. Setting: Transporting readers to a vivid and immersive world is crucial for any story. With the template, jot down details about the location, time period, atmosphere, and even the customs and culture of your setting. This will help you create a rich backdrop against which your characters can unfold their journey. Remember, the setting has the power to shape your story and evoke emotions, so be sure to give it the attention it deserves.

Before diving into using the Story Brainstorming Template, it’s important to understand the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process. This will help you make the most out of the template and unleash your creativity. Follow this guide to embark on a storytelling adventure:

• Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Template: Take a few minutes to explore the various sections and features of the Story Brainstorming Template. This will give you an overview of what to expect and how to navigate through it.
• Step 2: Define Your Story’s Purpose: Consider the main purpose or message you want to convey through your story. Is it to entertain, educate, inspire, or something else entirely? Clearly establishing your story’s purpose will lay a solid foundation for your brainstorming process.
• Step 3: Identify the Key Elements: Break down your story into its key elements such as characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. Jot down ideas and possibilities for each element, creating a rich pool of options to draw from when crafting your story.
• Step 4: Experiment and Refine: This template allows you to experiment with different story structures, plot twists, and character development. Unleash your imagination and explore various combinations until you find the perfect blend that brings your story to life.

Remember, this Story Brainstorming Template is designed to be a flexible tool that adapts to your unique storytelling style. Feel free to deviate from the steps and make it your own. Let your creativity flow and enjoy the journey of crafting a captivating story!

Developing compelling characters is an essential aspect of creating engaging narratives. By adding depth and complexity to your characters, you can captivate your readers and immerse them in your story. Here are five proven techniques to help you enhance your character development:

• Show, don’t tell: Instead of explicitly stating a character’s traits, reveal them through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with others. This allows readers to form their own opinions and creates a more immersive experience.
• Create internal conflicts: Give your characters inner struggles and conflicting desires to make them relatable and multi-dimensional. This internal tension adds depth and complexity to their personalities, making them more compelling to readers.
• Develop unique backstories: Craft detailed histories for your characters that include formative events, experiences, and relationships. These backstories provide a foundation for their motivations and behaviors, making them more realistic and engaging.

To further enhance your character development:

• Establish flaws and vulnerabilities: Perfect characters can be unrelatable and boring. Introduce flaws, weaknesses, or vulnerabilities that your characters must overcome or deal with. This not only makes them more human but also allows for growth and conflict within your story.
• Create memorable personalities: Give your characters distinct traits, quirks, or idiosyncrasies that make them stand out in readers’ minds. Whether it’s through unique speech patterns or unusual hobbies, these memorable aspects can bring your characters to life and make them more intriguing.

By employing these proven techniques, you can ensure that your characters are complex, compelling, and integral to your narratives. Remember, the key is to make your characters feel real and relatable, so your readers can truly invest in their stories.

Plot twists and unexpected turns are what keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning page after page. However, coming up with unique ideas can be a challenge. To help you in your quest for originality, here are some strategies that will spark your creativity and lead you to uncovering extraordinary plot twists:

• Explore the unexpected: To break free from clichés, think about the opposite of what is typically expected in a situation. For example, if your protagonist is a detective working on a murder case, surprise your readers by revealing that the detective is the murderer himself. This unexpected twist will leave your audience guessing and engaged.
• Intertwine subplots: Weave multiple storylines together to add complexity and depth to your plot. Introducing a secondary plot that seemingly has no connection to the main story can create a surprising twist when the two storylines unexpectedly intersect. This will captivate your readers and keep them hooked.
• Reinvent well-known tropes: Take familiar story tropes and give them a refreshing twist. Is there a well-known fairy tale or myth that you can reimagine in a completely unexpected way? Subverting the readers’ expectations will ignite their curiosity and make your story memorable.

By employing these strategies, you will be able to uncover unexpected plot ideas that will keep your readers enthralled from beginning to end. Remember to challenge the norm, intertwine subplots, and reinvent tropes to create an unforgettable reading experience.

When it comes to captivating storytelling, transporting your readers to imaginary worlds is an essential skill. By crafting rich and vivid settings, you can immerse your audience in a fantastical universe that feels alive and tangible. Here are a few tips to help you create enchanting settings that will leave your readers spellbound:

• Paint a sensory palette: Engage your readers’ senses by describing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of your imaginary world. Allow them to experience the lush green forests, the dripping dew on leaves, the melodic chirping of exotic birds, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread . By invoking these details, you can make your readers feel like they are right there, exploring your imaginary lands.
• Breathe life into landmarks: Just as real-life landmarks evoke a sense of wonder, so should the landmarks in your imaginary world. Describe ancient, towering castles with intricate, magical architecture, or sprawling cities bustling with fantastical creatures and vibrant marketplaces. These landmarks not only provide a sense of grandeur but also act as anchor points for your readers, grounding them in your captivating setting.
• Create dynamic ecosystems: Develop intricate ecosystems in your imaginary world to make it feel alive. Introduce unique flora and fauna, each with its own characteristics and behavior. Perhaps there are glowing mushrooms that light up the forests at night or majestic creatures that soar through the skies. By adding these complex interactions, you can create a sense of realism and wonder that will captivate your readers.

Remember, the key to creating rich and vivid settings is to invite your readers to fully immerse themselves in your imaginary world. So, go ahead and let your imagination run wild, and watch as your readers get lost in the wonder and magic of your storytelling!

Now that you’ve let your imagination run wild and generated a multitude of ideas during your brainstorming session, it’s time to transform those fragments into a cohesive and engaging narrative. Here are some steps to guide you in the process:

• Outline your plot: Start by organizing your ideas into a logical sequence. Create an outline that includes the main events and their order in the story. This will help you maintain a clear structure and prevent plot holes. Keep track of the story arc and ensure that your plot builds up tension and has a satisfying resolution.
• Develop your characters: Now that you have a plot in place, focus on breathing life into your characters. Explore their backgrounds, personalities, motivations, and desires. A well-developed protagonist will draw readers into the story and make them emotionally invest in the journey. Don’t forget to create compelling supporting characters that add depth and complexity to the narrative.
• Weave in themes and motifs: Stories gain depth and meaning when they explore themes that resonate with readers. Identify the themes you want to explore in your story and think about how they can be incorporated through the characters, events, and dialogue. Consider the use of recurring symbols or motifs that reinforce these themes, adding richness to your storytelling.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to craft a coherent and captivating story that engages your audience from start to finish. Remember, storytelling is a journey, and these guidelines will assist you in navigating the path from brainstormed ideas to a compelling narrative.

Q: What is a story brainstorming template? A: A story brainstorming template is a tool that helps writers organize their thoughts and ideas while creating engaging narratives. It provides a structured framework to guide the development of characters, plotlines, and settings, making the storytelling process more efficient and effective.

Q: How can a story brainstorming template benefit writers? A: A story brainstorming template offers several benefits to writers. Firstly, it helps to overcome writer’s block by providing a starting point and structure to develop ideas. Secondly, it ensures consistency and coherence throughout the story by establishing a framework for character development and plot progression. Lastly, it saves time by streamlining the brainstorming process and eliminating the need to constantly switch between ideas.

Q: What are some key elements typically included in a story brainstorming template? A: While the elements in a story brainstorming template may vary depending on personal preferences, some common elements include character profiles, story goals and conflicts, plot outlines, setting descriptions, and key scenes. These elements provide a solid foundation for building a compelling narrative.

Q: Are story brainstorming templates only useful for fiction writers? A: No, story brainstorming templates can be beneficial to all types of writers, not just fiction authors. Non-fiction writers, screenwriters, playwrights, and even marketers can utilize these templates to structure their narratives and engage their target audience effectively.

Q: Can story brainstorming templates be customized to fit each writer’s unique storytelling style? A: Absolutely! Story brainstorming templates are intended to be flexible and adaptable to cater to individual writing styles. Writers can customize the elements, order, and level of detail according to their preferences, ensuring that the template perfectly aligns with their creative process.

Q: Where can I find story brainstorming templates? A: Story brainstorming templates can be found online on various writing websites, blogs, and writing software platforms. Many writers also create and share their own templates based on their successful writing experiences. Searching for “story brainstorming templates” on search engines or writing forums will yield a plethora of options to choose from.

Q: Are there any additional resources available to enhance the story brainstorming process? A: Yes, apart from templates, writers can also explore additional resources such as books on storytelling techniques, workshops, and online courses. These resources can provide valuable insights, techniques, and exercises to further refine the brainstorming process and enhance narrative development skills.

Q: Should I use a story brainstorming template for every writing project? A: The use of a story brainstorming template is subjective and depends on individual writing preferences. Some writers may find it helpful to use a template for every project, while others may prefer to use it selectively. It is advisable to experiment with using a template and decide based on personal experience and comfort level.

Q: Can story brainstorming templates guarantee a successful story? A: While story brainstorming templates provide a structured approach to narrative development, it is important to note that success ultimately depends on the writer’s creativity, storytelling skills, and dedication. The template serves as a tool, but the magic lies in the writer’s ability to bring the story to life by weaving compelling characters, engaging plots, and captivating settings.

In conclusion, the Story Brainstorming Template is a valuable tool for crafting captivating narratives, making storytelling an effortless and enjoyable experience. Let your creative ideas flow and bring your stories to life with this simple yet effective technique.

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How to brainstorm story ideas

Six Suggestions to Beat the Block.

Silvia Li Sam is a storyteller, blogger, writer, and marketing expert. She has built communities of millions of people in education, tech, and non-profit. You can see some of her storytelling credentials on Medium at silvialisam.com , or connect with her on her LinkedIn . 

What’s worse for an aspiring writer than to sit in front of their laptop with every intention of writing a great story, only to discover you can’t think of a single idea?

Don’t worry: we’ve all been there. All you need is a dash of inspiration, and you’ll be penning that story – or that novel! – in no time. 

But how can you brainstorm great ideas? In this article, we’ll give you a few tips to battle writer’s block and never lose to it again!

1. Write down everything that comes to mind!

You might be asking yourself, “What am I supposed to write about? I don’t have any ideas!”

Don’t worry, the objective here isn’t writing anything exceptional, it’s just getting rid of the white page sitting in front of you. So type into your computer (or write down if you still use a pen and papers) anything you can think of. 

Most writers have a mental filter in their minds that tells them “this idea is terrible” before it ever sees the light of day. The important part of this exercise is to try to turn that filter off. For this exercise, the goal is to come up with a lot of ideas no matter how bad!

It doesn’t matter if all you scribble down is: I don’t have any ideas! That can be enough to help untangle the knot in your mind and get your creative juices running. Keep on writing random thoughts until you get a hint of an idea that might be useful, and then run with it.

It might not work the first time around, but stick to this method: Eventually, you’ll find the seed that’ll germinate into a fantastic story. Persistence is important with this one.  

2. Get yourself an idea box

Sometimes you’ll get great ideas you have no use for. Don’t let it go to waste! Of course, this method can work just as well by scribbling different story prompts in a notebook or on your cellphone. Still, there is a great benefit to actually having a box:

Whenever you are running short of ideas, you can stick your hand in it and take out a piece of paper. Let fate choose what your next story will be about! You can also pick up another idea if it doesn’t work for you, but try not to throw any of them out, at least not without adding a new one to the box!

To add prompts that surprise you, ask your friends or family members to add ideas to your box as well whenever they come up with one! This can also be a really great way to crowdsource different ideas. Sometimes the most brilliant idea might come from a friend! 

3. Keep a scrapbook

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this is also true when it comes to gathering inspiration. Why not save inspiring images and photos you discover through your everyday life? You never know when they can serve as inspiration for your next great story!

Your scrapbook doesn’t need to come in a physical form: You can do the same on your computer or online to take it with you wherever you go, saving pics and going back to them when you are running short on ideas.

4. Play word association games

This is a great solo brainstorming technique to get your creative juices flowing!

In order to play this game, simply write a list of ten or more words that you find would make for an exciting story. For instance, if you wanted to write romantic content, you could choose love, partners, secret, jealousy, conflict, etc.

After you have your list settled up, write down the first thing that comes to mind next to each one. Of course, it’s supposed to be a single word in return, but if you get inspired and write an entire sentence or more, don’t limit yourself! 

Try not to overthink your replies, as you’ll be surprised by what comes up during this little game. The idea is to find hidden gems you might not initially have thought about.

If this technique doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of word banks online that you can check. Or you might just leaf through a dictionary in book form. You might be surprised how a single word can become the starting point for a great tale.

5. Read Fanfiction

This one is counterintuitive. How can reading fanfiction lead to new ideas, you ask? Fanfiction works tend to examine a wide variety of plots, twists, and ideas given its wide breadth of creators. For example, I tend to read Harry Potter fanfiction on the site Commaful , specifically focused on Hermione stories to get inspiration. The fans take Hermione on all types of interesting adventures, putting her in love triangles, having her face unique challenges. The sheer weirdness of some of these stories inspires me with new ideas I normally wouldn’t come up with. 

6. Start with the characters instead of the plot

Sometimes, it’s harder to think of a plot than actually coming up with a few great characters . 

Even if you don’t know who they are yet or what they do, if a character is in your mind, it won’t take you too long to come up with a great story concept!

Why not focus on a few interesting traits you’d like your story’s protagonist to have? How do they react in the face of adversity? What kind of world do they inhabit? What happens to disturb this setting, and what do they do as a consequence? This might be the starting point for creating a wonderful story! 

Of course, once you’ve got a vague idea, you’ll want to get it into shape. Whether you start with a character or some great plot twist occured to you, Beemgee.com is a perfect place to organise and structure your ideas into a coherent and emotionally resonant narrative . 

Photo by Mark Fletcher-Brown on Unsplash 

Start jotting down your story ideas. You’ll be surprised how much fun it is to get them into shape! 

• Getting Teenagers Excited About Writing Guest post by Hayley Zelda. Hayley Zelda is a writer and ...read more...
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12 Creative Writing Templates for Planning Your Novel

It’s that time of year when thousands of writers around the world prepare to type faster than a speeding bullet, drink coffee more powerful than a locomotive, and leap tall deadlines in a single bound. Of course, we’re talking about  National Novel Writing Month  (also known as NaNoWriMo), and the challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to create a 50,000-word story from scratch in just 30 days, from November 1–30. How’s that for productivity?

We’ve met a lot of writers who use Evernote to plan, brainstorm, and sometimes even draft their novels. But as any fiction writer knows, the hardest part of any new work is figuring out what to write about in the first place:  What happens next? What motivates these characters? What’s this story about, anyway?

Only you can answer those questions, but it helps to figure them out early. If you’re going to write a novel in November,  the time to plan is now . With that in mind, we’ve created a dozen Evernote templates to help you collect and structure your thoughts. Many of them include questions or prompts to get you started, but you can feel free to replace those with inventions of your own. Start filling them out today; they’ll keep you anchored while writing your 30-day masterpiece.

Power tip:  To use any of the note templates mentioned in this article, click the “Get it »” link and then click “Save to Evernote.” The template will be added to your Evernote account in the notebook of your choice (we recommend  setting up a new notebook  just for templates). You can then copy, move, rename, and edit the note to suit your needs. 

Templates for plotting and outlining your novel 

Are you the sort of writer who wants a solid plan in place before typing “Chapter 1”/ You’ll need a roadmap that begins with a premise and culminates in an outline. There are a lot of different ways to get there, so we’ve made templates for walking you through several of the most popular plotting methods. You can choose the one that fits your personal style.

1.   Story premise worksheet

Your premise is the foundation on which the entire novel is built. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll think about who your protagonist is, what they want, and the problems or conflicts they must overcome. The end product is a concise, two-sentence explanation of what your story is about.

2.   Three-act plotting template

Remember learning in school that all stories should have a beginning, middle, and end? This classic, logical method of storytelling takes you from your story’s initial setup and inciting incident through rising action, turning points, and resolution.

3.   Story beats template

Adapted from the world of screenwriting, this popular method replaces the concept of acts with a set of milestones that commonly appear in many kinds of stories. Hitting these “beats” gives your story a rhythm while leaving the details open to your imagination.

4.   Snowflake method checklist

Maybe you’d rather work from the top down than from the ground up. Inspired by fractal geometry (really!), Randy Ingermanson’s “snowflake method” grows an entire novel from a single sentence. Each step of the process methodically expands upon the one before, filling in details until you have a complete draft.

5.   Story timeline tracker

Regardless of your novel plotting method, keeping track of time in your novel is important. Did your hero get that threatening letter on Tuesday or Sunday? Does the next scene happen on a sunny morning or in the dead of night? This template will keep your novel’s clock ticking smoothly.

6.   Chapter outline

Once you’re in the writing groove, you may not want to wade through all your plotting notes to remember what comes next. This checklist gives you a scannable view of your plot, chapter by chapter and scene by scene, making it easy to see what you’ve completed and how much lies ahead.

Templates for Building Characters in Your Novel  

Even if you aren’t the plotting and outlining type, the more you know about your characters and the world they inhabit, the better your writing will be. The following templates will help you brainstorm and remember the little details that make a story come to life. 

7.   Character master list

Got a lot of characters? This “quick and dirty” list helps you remember who’s who at a glance. Add names, ages, and notes about your characters. And you can drop in a photo or drawing of each character to help you visualize your story.

8.   Character profile worksheet

If you want to go deeper with your characters, you’ll need a full dossier describing their physical appearance, manner of speaking, behavioral traits, and background. This questionnaire covers everything from their hair color to their biggest secret.

9.   Character biography

Now that you know who’s who, here’s a template for figuring out how they got to the situation in your novel. When it’s time to write a flashback or refer to a past event, you’ll breathe easier (and save yourself some edits) knowing you can look up the dates in this simple timeline.

10.   World-building questionnaire

So far, we’ve been talking about the what and who of your novel, but where and when are just as important. Whether you’re writing about a fantasy world or the town you grew up in, this questionnaire will get you thinking in depth about the setting. Then you can write richer, more realistic scenes that draw the reader into your world.

Pulling it all together: Project trackers

A novel has a lot of moving parts. When you factor in research, articles saved with  Web Clipper , and random jottings about who did what to whom, you’ll probably find you have a  lot  of notes for your writing project. Consider adding a couple more to keep it all straight: a dashboard where you can manage the whole thing and a checklist for bringing your completed opus to the world.

11.   Story dashboard note

For a quick overview of your project, use this “dashboard” to track its status.  Add it to your shortcuts  for easy access, and  insert links to related notes  to save time on searches. If you’re writing in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can paste the file or link into the body of this note and jump into your manuscript with a click.

12.   Self-publishing checklist

Planning to publish that novel when it’s done? Here’s a checklist of all the important steps, from writing a blurb to editing, design, and proofing.  TIP: If you copy this checklist into your dashboard note, you can easily track your novel from first brainstorm to final publication.

Ready, set, write!

If you’re up to the challenge, sign up for free at  nanowrimo.org . Evernote will be posting more tips and strategies to our blog and social media throughout October and November. We invite you to follow along! 

Originally published on October 2, 2017. Updated on October 12, 2022. 

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Helping Students Brainstorm for Creative Writing

Creative writing.

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“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” This Anton Chekhov quote is one of my favourites to use when helping my students think like creative writers.

But before they can get to that point, many students struggle with even putting pen to paper because they aren’t sure what would make a good idea for a story.

Before students can wrap their head around the plot of their story I find it helpful to facilitate some idea generator activities. These activities are meant to inspire students for writing, to give them a story premise as a jumping off point, and can also provide opportunities for you as the teacher to model these strategies and create some fun group writing as a class.

Mentor Texts

Mentor texts are the logical starting point in developing creative writing ability. Before diving into any genre of writing, this step is critical. So, if I am going to be asking my students to write a short story, then I need to provide ample opportunities to read and analyse short stories beforehand. In addition to short story studies, I have also created stations where I had my students analyse different short story excerpts for different criteria. One station asked students to reflect on the effectiveness of various story hooks or beginnings, another station required them to evaluate the character development in different passages, and so on. Studying mentor texts can make a big difference in students feeling confident enough to start their own writing.

Sources of Inspiration

Another fun activity is to ask students to keep a “Writing Inspiration” notebook or list. I staple a sheet onto the inside cover of the notebook listing possible sources of inspiration to pay attention for. These include things like: overhead dialogue, people watching, quotations, artwork, song lyrics, and so on. Students can review their list for inspiration when they need to write a creative writing piece.

Title Generators

Sometimes, all students need to get inspired is a good title. You can keep a “Title generator kit” in your classroom for such occasions. This kit can include anything that might spawn a good story title – paint chip colour names, magnet poetry tiles, postcards, brochures, etc. You can also find story title generators online by searching for “Book Title Generator” or “Story Title Generator.”

Sentence Starters

Sentence starters are helpful for students who have writer’s block or just don’t know how to start writing in this style. This is basically a list of potential first lines of a story, so students can use them as a starting point and then continue writing. An example would be, “I woke up abruptly when I heard a loud crash coming from downstairs.” 

For more of these, check out my Creative Writing Story Starters for 50 short story writing prompts in Google Slides and PowerPoint.

Premise Creators

Premise creators: There’s a few ways to help students create a premise for their story. One way is to provide them with a list of potential plotlines. For example: You get to school and realize that the zombie apocalypse has started. Another way is to create three columns – character, setting, conflict, and provide a list for each or brainstorm with the class. Then students simply need to choose a character, place them in a setting, and throw in one of the conflicts. For example: A musician (character) during the Great Depression (setting) who has amnesia (conflict). If you’d like, you can check out my Short Story Creative Writing Bundle for this premise creator activity as well as many others for each stage of the writing process.

Character Profiles

Character Profiles are helpful for students to really flesh out who their main character will be in their story. Before they can start writing about this character, they really need to feel like they know them. A character profile is a template where students can brainstorm all kinds of background details about their character like hometown, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, greatest fear, secret talent, etc. This profile will help students to understand how to develop their character in their writing to bring out their personality while maintaining consistency in their motives and actions.

Right before starting on a rough draft, it’s helpful to jot down certain details of the plot to ensure that the story will have the proper style and structure. Students can create story maps that follow the plot diagram, or simply mind-map or list the following: main character, supporting characters, point of view, setting, conflict, theme. 

Hopefully by incorporating some of these activities, your students will become engaged with creative writing and generate memorable and meaningful stories! 

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How to Brainstorm a Story Idea (or really anything creative)

• Posted on 24 Oct, 2018

Brainstorming is easy if you follow a process.

This website is dedicated to the process of coming up with ideas. Ironically my personal belief is that ideas are mostly cheap and many “creatives” are far too proud of their “ideas”.  Execution matters far more. I believe this is applicable to book ideas, movie ideas, business ideas, advertising, visual arts, theater, etc. With the exception of maybe the Snuggie (now that’s a great idea), execution is where brilliance shines. I’m reading a fiction book right now that’s a coming of age story taking place in a small town in the 60s where several murders have just taken place. That’s an insanely common type of story. But the book is brilliant. There’s nothing particularly novel about the story and it’s still brilliant and very entertaining. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year.

A great idea combined with great execution is still unbelievably awesome. Take the insanely readable Wool (Book 1 of The Silo Trilogy). The first 100 pages of that book are some of the most creative I think I’ve ever read in terms of the idea. And then the execution of that idea, especially in that first book, is great. So despite my firm belief that execution is more important, I’m still in pursuit of an amazing idea that inspires me the way that I’m sure Howey was inspired when he first wrote the short story that started Wool.

I do have some formal training and spent my early career hanging out in ad agencies getting paid pennies to literally do nothing but brainstorm ideas. I mostly did this by sitting in a corner or a dark office with a pencil and paper and just brain dumping. Here are some things I’ve learned about brainstorming a long the way. For the sake of this advice I’m going to assume you’re brainstorming to write a story. But these thoughts are applicable to all kinds of creative endeavors.

Learn how to brainstorm following this process.

#0. sit in isolation.

Sit in a corner, at a clean desk, in a room with the door closed. NOT in a loud noisy place like a Starbucks. You need nothing but a pen and a legal pad.

#1. Start with a brain dump of 100 ideas

Even if your mind is blank and you can’t think of a single thing, sit with a notepad or a blank Word document and start listing whatever comes to mind. Even if the ideas are stupid and boring, put them down. After about 20 ideas, stop and look back over your list. Take a break (like 10 or 15 minutes) and then come back. Keep repeating this until you get to a hundred and if you still haven’t thought of something, stop. If the act of doing this gives you a million great ideas by itself, well that’s awesome. You’re apparently very creative. But if not, keep reading.

#2. Elaborate on 10 of the 100 ideas

After a short break, even if you still hate them, pick the best ten ideas of your current list of 100 and elaborate on them. Write a paragraph about each. Attempt to make them better. You might surprise yourself.

#3. Clear your mind

If after elaborating on 10 of your best 100 ideas you still don’t have something that has you thinking in a certain direction, there’s one of two things going one. #1, You’re not creative. If that’s the case, skip below to advice #6. But if you’re generally creative (and I’ll leave your self awareness to yourself) then you probably just have too much clouding your brain. It’s time to clear your brain. Turn off all stimuli. Don’t listen to Spotify. Stay away from Youtube. If there’s something else work or life related that you’re procrastinating and you can’t think until that task is done, do that task and get it out of the way. After this second break of clearing your mind, try #1 again. Yes it’s more work. No one said this was easy.

#4. Brain dump more ideas.

I started with saying that you should brain dump 100 under the assumption that you are trying to kickstart your brain into a creative mode. But once you’ve exercised your brain a little, you can continue to brainstorm much smaller lists. Spend ten minutes here, five minutes there, jotting down ideas. Make it a habit. Break your brainstorming into small chunks. That first 100 ideas was a great exercise. But I’m a believer that your brain will keep working subconsciously on your ideas. So keep feeding it fuel in order to do so.

#5. Read & digest content

It’s important that you consume things that make you think. I try to read for a minimum of fifteen minutes per day. Many days I read far more than that. But the habit is important.

#6. Step back and do something relaxing

It’s ok to step away. This does not mean procrastinate. If you’ve put down a 100 bad ideas, then you’ve done some work. It’s realistic to take a break. Take a nap. Go for a run. Watch a sitcom.

Yes. I say pray. I do it. I believe it helps.

#8. Revisit old ideas

Often to jumpstart my creativity I revisit old lists of ideas. I’m often surprised at how many I’ve completely forgotten about and how great they really were at the time. I find that more than anything this gives me confidence. Confidence goes a long way.

Bear Discovers Fire

With all of that, I leave you with a brilliant idea…. (not my own, just a great example where the idea definitely mattered).

Let us know what you think about our ideas! Comment below to give us your opinion, add onto an existing idea, or submit one of your own!

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Creative Writing ~ Short Story Brainstorming

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• Instruction

Short Story Pre-Writing and Brainstorm Activity

Step One: Use Exemplars to Analyze Short Stories

In order for students to write short stories, they need experience reading short stories. There are gobs of websites and blogs that go into great detail about this step, so I won’t spend too much time on it here. In the past I’ve used stories such as “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pockets” and “Scout’s Honor,” but find some that work for you.

Step Two: Discuss the 7 Steps for Writing a Short Story

Because I don’t work in a traditional classroom setting (or with any sort of curriculum), I find myself piecing together bits and pieces of lessons from other people, including this gem that I found from mythcreants.com about how to outline a short story in seven steps.

This post details the seven steps that will come up in the graphic organizer you will use later. I printed out the blog post so that students had a visual reference as we discussed each point. For your reference, the basic steps are:

• Name the problem
• Create the character who has the problem (if you want to explore this topic in depth, see the related post about character interviews here )
• Describe why the problem matters to the character
• Discuss the obstacle that holds the character back from solving the problem
• List the attempts made to solve the problem (I try to make my students go for 3, otherwise it turns into a one-and-done scenario)
• Create a critical turning point
• Show what happens next

What I really loved is how this post took three different possible storylines and then followed all three through each step of the short story writing process until the end. For example, a seemingly mundane story problem (The garden isn’t pollinated), gains traction and makes the reader care about the problem (the garden produces a plant that provides a life-saving medicine – if it doesn’t get pollinated, people close to the child will die!). **Note – you will want to preview the entire blog post and modify as necessary for your group since the original post was intended for an adult writer.

Step Three: Think of Three Possible Stories

I passed out the first graphic organizer and encouraged my students to spend time thinking of three possible stories. Really encourage your students to STRETCH themselves at this point. They are not committing to any one story, they are just getting their juices flowing. Students will spend time in class working on the chart. Allow as much time as necessary so that students have three possible stories to work with. My students were given lots of choice here, as long as it was a narrative story. Some chose fantasy, some went with realistic fiction – it really doesn’t matter which genre of narrative writing they choose. The more buy-in they have, the better the final products.

Step Four: The Share Out

Gather students together in small groups or partners and have them read their three storylines out loud. I had my students do an informal discussion where they asked questions and gave suggestions. The process is really to just help the students make sure that their storylines make sense. Some students may say that they don’t want to say their endings out loud – DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY WITHOUT REVEALING THEIR ENDINGS! I made this mistake, and when my students wrote their rough drafts, all of them could have used additional supports with their very last scene. I would tell students that they need to reveal the ending in order to get feedback from their peers. Besides, their peers will be closely involved with their stories through the peer editing process.

Step Five: The Focused Graphic Organizer

Final thoughts.

Having your students spend a lot of time on the pre-writing process of writing a short story will definitely pay off when they go to write their actual short story. Too often students are told to “write a story” without knowing that they can plan and outline a story just like they would plan a different type of writing.

Please visit this link to get a free download of the graphic organizers mentioned in this post!

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Really like these graphic organizers, thank you for sharing them! I’m planning on doing a short story project with my class this month and would like to use them. I’d like to offer a thought if I may – at the start where it says “Name the problem”, consider adding “and where it takes place”. That way, you can also talk about the setting of a story and incorporate it into a rubric (if using one). 🙂

Thank you for that suggestion – we will definitely keep it in mind when we update this product!

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Click on the link in the post! You’ll need to have a TpT account to download!

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'Chronicles of Culture' Writing Workshop - Wakefield LitFest 2024

A Creative writing workshop to help aspiring writers build confidence in creating short story narratives.

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About this event.

We will be bringing people together through story making. Uniting young writers by commissioning them to create short stories and funding their dissemination to an audience in printed and audio form.

In a series of free, open workshops, run by professional writers and creatives, any and all young people will develop the skills to help them build the confidence and knowledge to apply for the commissions. The workshops will give insight into how to get inspired, develop ideas and take stories to final drafts.

The workshops will also connect young people to their local heritage by directly linking the workshops and subsequent stories with places of interest in the district as the inspiration for their stories working in partnership with Wakefield Museum. Suitable for ages 14-25

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Description.

AskEasy: simplify your life with a smart assistant! Looking for a good recipe to surprise your guests? Need ideas for a birthday party? Or some help with writing an essay or composing a resume? Simply open the app and ask! AskEasy is a real lifesaver. It finds answers to any questions, generates texts and brainstorms ideas, helps with daily tasks, proofreads and improves your content, and even acts as a fun empathetic friend always open for a chat! All you need to do is just type in your request and see how an accurate answer magically appears on your screen! What sets this app apart are its four most powerful chat models: GPT 3.5, GPT 4, Llama 2, and Gemini. These cutting-edge AI technologies ensure that you can easily choose the model that best meets your specific needs, providing tailored, intelligent responses in real-time. Have questions about a YouTube video? Or need a short summary of a video instead of watching it whole? Now, you can simply paste the video link and ask away. Our chatbot will answer your questions based on the video content and provide a concise summary of it. Need to create unique visuals for your project? Go to Image Generator and get inspiring images generated by AI in seconds! All you have to do is just to type in the text description – and see how it magically transforms into images. Moreover, you can easily get creative captions, tags and stories based on your images by using the Text to Image tool. AI understands and interprets the context and emotions of your photos, and brings the ideas of creative texts that will enhance your social media presence. With """"Upload & Ask,"""" you have the power to directly upload a PDF document and effortlessly ask questions about its content. This feature deciphers the text, providing you with precise answers and insights without the need for manual searching or reading. Meanwhile, """"Ask by Link"""" offers an equally innovative capability where you can insert a link to a web page and receive answers derived from its content. Whether it's a detailed explanation, summary, or specific information, this feature ensures you get the answers you need quickly and efficiently. Your creativity is your only limit! Experiment with your queries to discover everything the chatbot can do for you, and you will be amazed by the mind-blowing results: - Choose the chat model (GPT 3.5, GPT 4, Llama 2, or Gemini) to solve your tasks quickly and efficiently - Write anything: from tweets, email responses, and ad copies to essays, poems, and creative stories - Brainstorm ideas: new recipes, movie and song recommendations, places to go, party ideas, etc. - Check and improve your writing - Simplify your texts by summarizing them - Insert a link to YouTube video and ask your questions based on it - Get quick and concise summary of a video on YouTube - Get AI-generated images from your word description - Transform any text into visually captivating quotes - Generate captivating captions, relevant tags, or stories for your pics - Create original jokes and holiday greetings - Translate texts into other languages or even into programmatic commands - Use it for analytics and business intelligence - Get prepared for an exam or job interview - Or simply check out your daily horoscope! Features: - Smart chat for iPhone - GPT 3.5, GPT 4, Llama 2, and Gemini support - Spell and grammar check - Images Generator - Quote Maker - Text for Image - “Ask by Link” and “Upload & Ask” features - Ask Youtube and Youtube Summary - Text writing and facts search - History of your queries - CV and social profile builder - Clear and smart design - Simple and blazingly fast to use Privacy Policy Url - https://mychat-ai.cloud/pp Term Of Use Url - https://mychat-ai.cloud/tou Support Address - [email protected]

Version 2.1

Why update the app that already works great? To get the most out of it, of course! The benefits of the new version: —Flawless bug-free experience —Improved user interface and app's navigation Your positive reviews in the App Store will inspire us to new achievements!

Ratings and Reviews

18.6K Ratings

Ok so I have a problem

The concept of having ai write you a story is amazing. The stories are amazing. But, what good is it if it doesn’t give an ending. It doesn’t have to be long to end well. But it leaves you hanging. Not a fan of that. Especially since I paid for it UPDATE: ok, so I changed most review from three stars to 5z mainly because regardless of if the story ends or not, I’m able to end it myself quite well. I enjoy the app and it helps me a lot in my work

Developer Response ,

Dear Juliabrown1966!!!!!Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and we understand your frustration with the limitations you've encountered in the application. The application has certain restrictions in place due to server limitations and the significant computing resources required for advanced AI technology like GPT-4. These limitations are in place to ensure the app's performance and availability for all users. We have increased the limit of characters to the maximum allowed from GPT itself and we cannot go beyond it. Thank you for understanding. Warmest regards, AI ChatBot: Smart Assistant Support Team

Not as described

Right after installing presented programs not functioning, i didn’t get try all, with in two minutes was forced to rated with 5 stars if i was too quick to press buttons. I didn’t even get to read what was the gpt’s response to me but as it was typing things really fast noticed everything being typed was flickering like screen power is too low. Remember after 3 days i trial you will be charged automatically. This look good but just like most of them, taking a freeware altering in some cases not much from the original and start chasing the money with tricks and dancing around the truth with lies. I think today’s browsers gpt is good as most of these tricksters version unless you need a serious one for school or work then I suggest getting a real one pay a few more dollars than what these people are asking and have a real one, if that’s not the case stick with ones as browsers add on is my opinion.

Dear User! We are very grateful to you for taking the time to leave us a review. We consider a customer-centric approach and always put ourselves in our customer’s mind. That way, we can align the learning experience with their expectations and improve our application. We will definitely take into account the fact that the users need more time to evaluate the application and will not force them to rate the app too quickly. We have our users' best interests at heart and will continue to work tirelessly to better ourselves and our application. Best regards, AI ChatBot: Smart Assistant Support Team

Concern over longevity

I have tried numerous AI Assistants. And this one, by far, is my favorite. I even went so far as to opt in for paying for full features. However, as an assistant or even aid, it is limited and out dated. When querying about the up-to-date information it could provide me, my assistant informs me that it is only as up-to-date as 2021. So, I queried about when the databases may be updated. And there was no information on that. The databases are already years behind and this is concerning. I didn’t pay to have something that can’t actually do as it is alleged to be able to perform. I can google and get more current information.

Dear Crashed and Lost! Thank you for your feedback and for choosing our AI ChatBot as your favorite assistant. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the limitations of the up-to-date information provided. We are constantly working on improving our databases and ensuring the latest information is available. But as we use the official open AI api and their system is based on data up to 2021, the assistant informs you that it is only as up-to-date as 2021. Best regards, AI ChatBot: Smart Assistant Support Team

App Privacy

The developer, Zilingial Limited , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• AI ChatBot: 1 Week Access $7.99
• AI ChatBot - 1 Week Access $7.99
• AI ChatBot: Access for 1 Year $49.99
• AI Chat Bot: Weekly Access $7.99
• AI ChatBot: 1 Week Access $4.99
• AI Assistant - 1 Month $19.99
• AI ChatBot for 1 Year $19.99
• AI Helper for 1 Week $4.99
• AI ChatBot: 1 Year Access $49.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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