Find Your Next Big Story with Just One Spark

One of the hardest parts of writing is figuring out where to start. Staring at a blank page, unsure what to write about, can feel overwhelming. But the good news is that every story begins with a single spark—a moment of inspiration that sets the creative process in motion.

Finding your spark doesn’t have to be complicated or random. With the Story Sparks Framework, you’ll discover six reliable categories that help you uncover that initial idea and kick off your storytelling journey.

The Six Categories of Story Sparks

These six categories are designed to spark your creativity by helping you find inspiration in different ways. Whether you’re drawn to characters, settings, or big ideas, there’s a spark waiting for you.

1. People: Characters Who Demand a Story

The start of my focus as a writer involved wishing to create a phantom thief due to my fascination with Phantom Thief Kid when he appeared in Case Closed. I wanted to follow a story starring a character like him (and not knowing said story did exist).

A fascinating character can spark a thousand possibilities. Who they are, what they want, and what secrets they hide can form the foundation of a great story.

• Where to Look:

  • Unique or contrasting personalities: A kind-hearted thief or a reckless scientist.

  • Real-life figures, whether historical or everyday people, you’ve encountered.

• Questions to Ask:

  • What does this person want, and why can’t they have it?

  • What’s their greatest strength or flaw?

  • What kind of situation would force them to change?

What kind of stories could be told in a setting like this?

2. Places: Settings That Beg for Conflict

An unusual or vivid setting can become a powerful source of inspiration.

• Where to Look:

  • Real-world locations with rich history or culture.

  • Imaginary or fantastical places: A floating city, a hidden jungle village, or a dying starship.

• Questions to Ask:

  • What makes this place unique or dangerous?

  • Who lives here, and what challenges do they face?

  • What event disrupts the balance of this place?

The origin of superhero-type scenarios like this came from playing with "what ifs." In this case, what if Superman and Batman met?

3. Situations: A “What If” Moment

A compelling “what if” scenario can create immediate tension and intrigue.

• Where to Look:

  • High-stakes events: A town where no one can leave or a city plagued by constant storms.

  • Contradictions or paradoxes: A healer who destroys or a killer who saves.

• Questions to Ask:

  • What’s happening, and why is it significant?

  • Who is affected, and what’s at stake?

  • How does the situation escalate?

Liar Game explores honesty, deception, trust, and doubt.

4. Themes: Big Ideas That Drive Stories

Themes explore universal questions and ideas, like redemption, justice, or love. These can shape the story’s emotional core and give it meaning.

• Where to Look:

  • Philosophical questions: What does freedom mean? Can people truly change?

  • Emotional experiences: Loss, love, redemption, or betrayal.

• Questions to Ask:

  • What theme resonates with you?

  • What kind of story would bring this idea to life?

  • Who would be most affected by this theme?

Benny Knives in Hunter X Hunter are 288 different knives created by a blacksmith/serial killer who forged a unique knife for every victim he killed. What type of stories can be built around this? Is someone collecting them? Why collect them? An admirer? A destroyer?

5. Objects and Imagery: Stories Hidden in Small Details

Sometimes, a single object or striking image can hold an entire story waiting to be told.

• Where to Look:

  • Symbolic or mysterious objects: A cursed locket, a cracked mirror, or an ancient sword.

  • Striking imagery: A lone tree in a wasteland, a blood-red moon, or a sea of endless fog.

    
    

  Questions to Ask:

  • Why is this object or image significant?

  • Who values it, and why?

  • How does it create or complicate conflict?

This story is a mythological retelling of Aladdin, focused on a female version of the genie as the protagonist.

6. Stories: Borrowing, Twisting, or Reimagining

Many great stories are inspired by others—myths, legends, or even historical events. Reinterpreting or subverting a familiar tale can be a powerful spark.

• Where to Look:

  • Classic myths, legends, or historical events: What if Achilles survived?

  • Familiar stories with a twist: What if Robin Hood was a hacker?

• Questions to Ask:

  • What aspect of this story excites you most?

  • How can you make it new or surprising?

  • What happens if you change the setting, characters, or ending?

Why These Six Categories?

These six categories—People, Places, Situations, Themes, Objects, and Stories—were chosen because they are the most universal and versatile sources of inspiration. Here’s why:

1. They Cover Every Starting Point

   Every story begins with one of these elements: a memorable character, a striking setting, or a fascinating idea. These categories reflect the natural starting points of storytelling.

2. They Engage Your Imagination

   Each category taps into a different part of your creativity. Characters inspire some people, while others are drawn to abstract ideas or vivid imagery. The six categories let you start where you feel most excited.

3. They Provide Direction

   This framework gives you focus by narrowing the infinite possibilities of storytelling into six distinct areas. It eliminates the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to begin.

4. They’re Relatable

   These categories reflect universal human experiences. Whether it’s the people we meet, the places we go, or the questions we ponder, these sparks resonate personally, making your story more engaging.

5. They’re Actionable

   Each category has built-in prompts and questions to help you explore and develop your ideas. This makes it easier to move from inspiration to action.

This Is Just the Beginning

Your Story Spark is the first step in creating a story. The next step is turning that spark into a straightforward Story Setup — a specific moment where something is happening, the stakes are clear, and the story begins.

To learn how to shape your spark into a setup, check out this article on Story Setup.

Start with one spark today, and let it lead you to a story worth telling. What’s inspiring you now—a person, a place, or a “what if” idea? Dive in and see where the spark takes you!