Idea Journal
Collecting raw story ideas in my messy book before they find their form.
I've always believed that stories are magic, malleable things that will find their own forms -- sometimes they will be games, other times novels, television, films or comics. As a creator working across multiple mediums, I want to share a bit of my journey bringing these stories to life. At present, I am working on several projects that each demand their own unique medium. Much of it, I cannot yet discuss, but I will share what I can.
There's something about how a story reveals its true form to you. Sometimes it happens in an instant - a flash of inspiration that shows you exactly how the tale needs to be told. Other times, it's a slower process of discovery, like getting to know a new friend. You might start writing what you think is a novel, only to realize that the story's heart beats strongest when it's shared around a table, dice rolling and possibilities unfolding.
When I sit down with a new idea, I write it first in my story journal. I use a fountain pen. I write in cursive. I open my book to a new page and just start. The words are messy and flow uninhibited on to the page. I try not to force it into any predetermined box. I begin with a short one-page story to work out the foundation. Then I listen to what the story wants to become. This approach has led me down unexpected paths, each one teaching me something new about the craft of narrative.
Each format - whether prose, sequential art, film, or game design - offers its own unique tools. The trick isn't to bend the story to fit the medium, but to recognize which medium will best serve the story.
I will share more about these projects as they take shape. For now, I will record the journey - successes, failures, and everything between. I hope you'll join me as we explore storytelling.
