by Lori Keating

Brainstorming ideas for stories can be an exhilarating journey into the depths of creativity. It often begins with a spark—an intriguing character, a peculiar setting, or a what-if scenario that refuses to leave your mind. As you explore these initial ideas, they start to intertwine, forming the threads of a narrative that beckons to be told.

My inspiration frequently arises from the world around me. The concept of The Memory Quilt emerged during a dinner at a friend’s house, where they presented a memory quilt made by a quilter for the parents of their deceased son. Butterfly Ink was inspired by my daughter’s fascination with temporary tattoos. One day, an idea struck me: what if the tattoo possessed magical qualities? As for Angels in the Sand, it initially began as a picture book, but after receiving a request for a complete manuscript from an agent, I saw its immense potential and chose to transform it into a Middle-Grade novel. I discover magic in the everyday—where a brief, simple moment can evolve into an extraordinary story.

These snippets of life are the rocket fuel for my creativity, reminding me that stories are lurking everywhere, just waiting to burst forth. They nudge me to look closer, listen harder, and bask in the world’s beautiful details.

One effective method for brainstorming and developing those ideas is by creating a vision board. If you don’t already know, a vision board is a collage of images, words, and other materials that visually represent your goals, aspirations, and the themes you wish to explore in your stories. This creative process not only helps to clarify your thoughts but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation.

To create a vision board, start by gathering materials such as photographs, fabric swatches, and any other items that resonate with your story’s themes or characters. As you sift through these materials, allow your intuition to guide you, selecting images and words that spark joy or curiosity.

Once you have a collection of items, arrange them on a board or large piece of paper. Consider the relationships between the elements, and how they might represent different aspects of your story. Play with the layout until it feels cohesive and evocative of the narrative you wish to create.

The beauty of a vision board lies in its flexibility; it can evolve as your story develops. Keep it in a place where you can see it regularly, allowing it to continuously inspire and remind you of the essence of your tale. This visual reminder can help you stay focused and motivated as you bring your story to life, guiding you through the twists and turns of the creative process.

Turning a story of around 500 words into a 30,000-word narrative may appear daunting, but it becomes manageable with a solid plan in place. Start by expanding on the details that make up your story’s world. Dive deeper into the backgrounds and motivations of your characters, allowing them to grow and evolve in unexpected ways. Consider adding subplots that complement the main narrative, enriching the tapestry of your tale and providing additional layers for readers to explore.

Develop your settings with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the heart of your story. Whether it’s a bustling cityscape or a serene countryside, immerse them in the sights, sounds, and sensations of each scene. This not only enhances their reading experience but also creates a more immersive world where your characters can thrive.

Dialogue is another powerful tool to elongate your story while adding depth to character interactions. Use conversations to reveal hidden emotions, secrets, and desires, allowing relationships to unfold naturally and authentically.

Don’t forget to weave in themes and messages that resonate with you and your audience. These can serve as the backbone of your story, providing a cohesive thread that ties everything together. As you expand your narrative, ensure that each element aligns with these core ideas, creating a harmonious and impactful tale.

Finally, embrace the revision process. As your story grows, be open to revisiting and refining each part, ensuring that every scene and character contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. With patience and dedication, a once-short story can blossom into a rich, multi-layered novel that captivates and inspires readers.

Remember, the journey from a brief concept to a full-fledged novel is a creative adventure in itself. Enjoy each step of the process, and trust in your ability to craft a story that will resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression.

Lori Keating is a versatile author who weaves tales across a multitude of genres. She is the proud winner of awards for her young adult novel Butterfly Ink and the picture book The Memory Quilt. Her latest middle-grade novel, titled Angels in the Sand, was released on January 7, 2025. Additionally, Lori hosts the podcast Kid Lit Meet N Greet on YouTube, where she interviews authors from various children’s literature genres.

She lives amidst the stunning landscapes of South Florida with her husband, her wonderful daughter, two dogs, and two cats. Visit her at LoriKeating.com and follow her on Instagram @LoriMKeating and BlueSky @lorikeating.bsky.social.

Lori Keating is giving away a signed copy of Angels in the Sand. 

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2025 participant and you have commented only once below.

Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.