Developing a Story Concept Using AI

Learn how to build a clear, engaging story concept using AI to streamline your writing process so that you can write with clarity, creativity, and focus.

Hey AI novelist,

Today, I want to take everything we've covered so far and put it into practice, guiding you to develop a story concept of your own.

This demonstration is super flexible.

Whether you’re just getting started, refining an idea you’ve already got, or maybe expanding a series, you can jump in right here at any stage of your process.

I’m just setting our starting point at the “idea” stage so we can work up from there.

This post includes written and video guides because, let’s face it, some things just click better when you can see them in action. 🙌🏾

Ready?

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get going on your story!

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Gathering Your Tropes and Research

Organizing your tropes can set you up for easy ideation down the road.

Now, let’s talk about tropes—those little elements of story that are popular in every genre.

Here’s how to get organized for storytelling:

• Collect and Define Tropes: Write down the main tropes you want to use and define them for clarity.

• Organize into Categories: Sort your tropes into categories like relational, character-based, or thematic.

• Create a Reusable Document: Save everything in one place so you can reuse this setup for future projects.

💡 PRO TIP: Save your prompts and organize them for future reference. I save mine in a Notion document for easy access. Keeping everything neat now makes it easier to work from later.

Using Market Research for Consistency

Market research helps create stories that resonate with your readers.

When creating content for a particular brand or audience, market research can keep you grounded.

This is where your market research shines—seeing what readers love in your genre and using that as a framework to build fresh ideas.

Here’s what market research adds to your story:

• Familiar Themes: Revisit popular themes that already resonate with readers.

• Fresh Twists: Add a unique take to tropes that feel familiar to the audience.

• Brand Consistency: Keep the style and tone consistent to meet reader expectations.

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.

Crafting a Story Concept with Personal Touches

Make your story real by adding personal details that bring characters to life.

Once I have the bones of the story down, I start thinking about how to shape the characters and their journeys.

This is where the magic starts to happen!

AI isn’t about simply generating a story; it’s about guiding the AI so the details reflect your creative vision.

Think about these personal touches:

• Character Backstory: Add elements that show why they are the way they are.

• Relatable Flaws: Give your character traits that readers can connect with.

• Emotional Growth: Show how your character evolves throughout the story.

These details make the character feel more real, and readers can relate to a journey of rediscovery and growth.

Demonstration