Find one possible story that you might be able to draw out of your notes (similarly, the idea can be as sketchy as you like at this point) and research at least three elements for this idea. Then develop your journal notes on this idea, including this research and any relevant sensory details.
Hmm tricky. Also note the course offers the option of instead researching 1 element from 3 separate story ideas, but I don't have so many so I've chosen this one.
The best idea I have in my notes right now comes from watching the first week of lectures by Brandon Sanderson. The lecture breaks down story ideas in to 'setting', 'plot' and 'character' and the class brainstormed numerous ideas for each section.
The ones that caught my attention were a 'floating island' setting with a past-self 'revenge' type plot - none of the character ideas were particularly inspiring except perhaps the 5 year old shaman!
Research needed then:
> Time travel. I would need to be well aware of the more well known paradoxes. I suspect dealing with a past-self will violate some of them so would require some careful thinking. Also the method of time travel would need some research. Are we talking portals or telephone boxes? Magic spells or fizzing machines? Naked robots appearing in a swirly circle etc.
> Floating island. I would want to research possible theories behind such. What was the explanation behind Avatar's islands (some 'flux' something as I recall)? Are there good realistic reasons I could adapt or is it going to be more of a case of 'magic' / 'technology'?
> Revenge. I would definitely want to research revenge. It's not something I've written about before, and is also a land rife with clichés I would want to do my best to avoid where possible.
That's the three, but I would also want to delve deeper into other examples of 'past-self' interactions too. There's likely cheesy clichés to be wary of here too (becoming your own grandfather etc).
All strong leads to follow. I shall get to it!
I'm still lacking a character for this idea. Thankfully, after some more reading about developing plot from character, the next exercise in 4.9 will have me creating a new character. Lets see if I can come up with something to fit the idea I have here.
See you there.
Happy Writing :-)
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