Concept to Plot with AI (Part 1)

Transform your story ideas into a solid foundation with AI—perfect for writers ready to streamline their process and create with clarity.

Hey AI novelist,

Today, we’re taking the ideas swirling around in your head and turning them into something real.

You’re about to build the foundation of your story, focusing on the first steps to get clear about your direction, characters, and the world they’ll live in.

This post walks you through written steps and pairs with the video demo and prompts to bring it all together. 🙌🏾

Ready? Let’s dive in and start shaping your story!

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Step 1: Start with a Workflow

A workflow is your story’s roadmap.

Before you dive headfirst into writing, take a step back and ask your AI assistant for a workflow tailored to your genre.

This simple step creates a clear guide to follow and keeps you from feeling lost halfway through.

Here’s what to do:

• Ask your AI for a workflow based on your story concept or genre.

• Save that workflow in a tool like Notion or a Word document for easy access.

• Use it as a reusable template for future stories.

As a reminder, you can use the prompts in the Write a Novel with AI Workshop HERE. You’ll find these post will help you adapt them to your genre, your niche, your brand.

Step 2: Develop Your Protagonist

Your protagonist is your story’s heartbeat. Let’s bring them to life.

Think about your protagonist’s backstory, personality, and motivations.

Why are they here? What do they want? What’s in their way? These are the core questions that will shape their journey.

Quick brainstorming tips:

• What’s driving your protagonist?

• What fears or flaws do they carry?

• How will they grow throughout the story?

Start simple—you don’t need all the answers yet. We’re just sketching the character who will lead your readers through this world.

You’ll see me work through these steps in the Demonstration video below in a new-to-me genre. 👩🏾‍💻

Step 3: Identify the Core Conflict

Conflict is the glue that holds your story together.

Think about what your protagonist is up against. Conflict can be external, like a mystery they need to solve, or internal, like overcoming self-doubt.

The key is that it drives the story forward and keeps readers engaged.

Steps to identify your conflict:

• Define your protagonist’s goal.

• Identify what’s standing in their way.

• Tie the conflict to the themes of your story.

This step gives your protagonist something to fight for—and your readers something to root for.

REMEMBER: You’re in charge. So, it’s up to you to review and validate the content. Guide your model by providing the essential content to ensure consistency with your brand.

Step 4: Build Your Cast

Side characters aren’t just extras—they’re story drivers.

Your protagonist doesn’t live in a vacuum. Think about the supporting cast—friends, antagonists, and wildcard characters—that make your story richer.

Each one should serve a purpose, whether it’s pushing your protagonist forward or adding complexity to the plot.

Here are some ideas:

• An ally who supports your protagonist.

• An antagonist who opposes them.

• A wildcard who stirs the pot.

These characters add depth and make your story world come alive.

Keep going… We have prompts for each step to guide you along.

Demonstration