Black List writers on the craft: Story Concept

“It comes from a place of some question or theme I want to explore. And then, just by keeping my eyes peeled– listening to music or reading books or articles or documentaries–something will stand out. And it will present itself in such a way that it lends itself to fitting into this theme that I want to write.”

Over the years, I have interviewed over 50 Black List screenwriters. Over the next four weeks, I am running a series featuring one topic per week related to the craft of writing.

This week: How do you come up with story concepts?

A question can be the inspiration for a story concept, but why did I include this in the mix: “It starts with a character, and then an arc.” Because when you start with a character, some inkling of a figure, that immediately leads to questions. Who is this individual? Why are they the way they are? What is their personality? What is their backstory? What do they want? What do they need? Who might be providing opposition to them?”

Start with a character. Questions arise. With it… a plot and everything else.

For Part 1 of the series on story concepts, go here.

Part 2, here.

Part 3, here.

Part 4, here.

Part 5, here.

Next week: What aspects of story prep do you devote the most time and focus to?