Creative Writing Difficulty: Beginner

Identify the First Step to Develop a Story in a Specified Genre

This prompt guides users to identify the initial step in developing a story within a specified genre. It instructs them to articulate a clear starting point for transforming a story idea into a tangible narrative. Users provide the genre as input, and the output is a structured plan detailing the first actionable step in story creation. This template is reusable for any genre and supports writers in initiating their storytelling process.

The prompt

68 words1 blank to fill in

Act as an experienced creative writing coach with expertise in story development. Based on the provided [GENRE], placeholder, create a detailed plan outlining the first critical step to initiate the development of a story in that genre. Specify actionable tasks, considerations, and objectives that effectively transform a story idea into a foundational narrative element. Present the output as a structured roadmap that guides the process from start to finish.

Highlighted text is a blank. Swap it for your own detail before you send the prompt.

What it produces

  • For the genre [Fantasy], begin by defining the core world-building elements including setting, magic system, and key conflicts.
  • For the genre [Mystery], start by outlining the central mystery and key characters involved in uncovering the truth.
  • For the genre [Romance], initiate by developing the main characters' backgrounds and the circumstances that bring them together.

How to use this prompt

Four steps, about a minute. Nothing to install and no account needed.

  1. Copy the prompt

    Use the Copy button above. The whole prompt goes to your clipboard exactly as written. Nothing is trimmed.

  2. Fill in the blanks

    Replace [GENRE] with your own detail. Everything in square brackets is a blank for you to fill in.

  3. Paste it into your assistant

    Checked against ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini. It is written as plain instructions, so paste it into whichever of them you already use.

  4. Read the result, then push back

    Compare what you get to the example below. If it is close but not right, say what to change: shorter, warmer, more specific, then ask again in the same conversation.

More prompts like this one

Close neighbours in Creative Writing, by shared subject and tagging.

Share Identify the First Step to Develop a Story in a Specified Genre:

Reviews and questions

What other people got out of this prompt, and what they asked about it.

No reviews yet

Be the first to share how this prompt worked for you.