A guide for new writers learning to shape stories from inspiration
As a writer, you’ve probably had flashes of inspiration—a cool idea, a single line of dialogue, a scene you can almost see in your head. But how do you take that tiny spark and shape it into a full character or a powerful scene?
If you’re new to writing or just figuring out your creative process, here’s a gentle guide to help you turn those scattered ideas into something real on the page.
🌱 Step 1: Start with the Spark
Think of your idea like a seed. It might be:
- A mood or vibe (a lonely road at twilight)
- A character type (a runaway prince with a sharp tongue)
- A situation (someone wakes up with no memory in a burning house)
Ask yourself:
- What pulled me to this idea?
- What do I want to explore here—emotionally or thematically?
This helps you figure out the heart of your idea, so you can build around it instead of feeling stuck chasing random inspiration.
🧍 Step 2: Build a Character from the Idea
Let’s say your idea is: a man who flinches whenever someone touches his left arm.
Ask questions to shape him:
- Why does he react that way? (Old injury? Magic curse? PTSD?)
- What does he want most? (To be left alone? To be understood?)
- Who is he when he’s alone vs. around others?
- What secret is he carrying—and how does it affect his behavior?
You don’t need a full character sheet to begin. Just write a small paragraph or a few notes about who this person is and what they’re hiding, fearing, or wanting.
🎬 Step 3: Turn It Into a Scene
Now it’s time to put your character in motion.
Pick one moment. Maybe it’s the first time someone tries to touch his arm—or the first time he lets someone.
Then ask:
- Where is this happening? (Setting gives mood. Cold clinic? Crowded train?)
- What is the conflict? (Does he freeze? Flinch? Lash out?)
- How does the other person react? (Do they pull back? Push forward?)
- What’s the emotional shift? (Is there fear, surprise, healing?)
Scenes are built around change. Even if it’s small, something should shift—an emotion, a truth revealed, a connection made or broken.
✍️ Bonus Tip: Write What You Feel
If you’re still unsure, close your eyes and imagine your character in the moment. What do they see? Hear? Think? Feel in their chest?
Start writing that, and let the rest unfold naturally. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be true to the idea.
You Can Start Small
You don’t need to know the whole story to write a character or a scene. Sometimes, the act of writing is what shows you the bigger picture.
So go ahead—take that scene in your head, that character voice whispering from the corner of your mind, and write them into being. One step, one idea at a time.
✨ You’ve got this.
🖋️ With creative care,
Sara
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 