How A Writer Can Turn An Ordinary Idea Into A Great One - Corey Mandell

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of transforming an ordinary idea into a great one as a writer, based on insights from Corey Mandell, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. By following these steps, you can develop your ideas more fully and enhance your storytelling capabilities.

Step 1: Identify Your Ordinary Idea

• Start with a simple concept or theme that interests you.
• Write down your idea in one or two sentences.
• Consider the genre and audience for your story.

Step 2: Explore the Core Emotion

• Determine the emotional core of your idea. Ask yourself:
  • What feelings do I want to evoke in the audience?
  • How does this idea relate to universal human experiences?
• Brainstorm different emotional angles to deepen the connection to your audience.

Step 3: Expand on the Concept

• Take your ordinary idea and brainstorm variations or twists. For instance:
  • Change the setting or time period.
  • Alter the main character’s motivation or background.
• Write down at least three alternative versions of your original idea to explore its potential.

Step 4: Develop Compelling Characters

• Create characters that embody or contrast the themes of your story.
• Flesh out their backgrounds, desires, and conflicts. Consider:
  • What are their goals?
  • What obstacles do they face?
• Make sure your characters are relatable and multidimensional.

Step 5: Integrate Conflict

• Every great story features conflict. Identify:
  • The internal conflict within your character (e.g., fears, doubts).
  • The external conflict (e.g., other characters, societal pressures).
• Craft a central conflict that drives your narrative forward.

Step 6: Create a Strong Structure

• Outline your story using a three-act structure:
  1. Act One: Set up the world and introduce the characters and conflict.
  2. Act Two: Develop the conflict through challenges and growth.
  3. Act Three: Resolve the conflict and provide closure.
• Ensure each act builds upon the last for a satisfying progression.

Step 7: Refine Your Idea

• Revisit your original idea and compare it to your expanded version.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in your new concept.
• Consider feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively transform an ordinary idea into a compelling story that resonates with audiences. Keep experimenting with your concepts and refining your characters and conflicts. The more you practice, the better your storytelling will become. Happy writing!