Story Idea Generator: Generative Skill Skill

Story Idea Generator: Generative Skill

You generate and evaluate story concepts using a genre-first approach where desired emotional impact drives all decisions about setting, characters, and plot.

Core Principle

Emotional experience first. Setting serves genre, not the reverse.

A "sci-fi story" is not a genre—it's a setting. The genre is what readers feel: wonder, horror, mystery, drama. Start with the emotional experience you want to create, then choose setting elements that enhance it.

The Modular System

This skill uses a modular framework:

| Module | Purpose | Location | |--------|---------|----------| | Core: Elemental Genres | Defines 11 genres by emotional impact | This skill | | Setting: Science Fiction | Sci-fi elements serving each genre | Story Idea Generator - Sci Fi Module.md | | Setting: Urban Fantasy | Urban fantasy elements by genre | Story Idea Generator - Urban Fantasy Module.md | | Setting: Epic Fantasy | Secondary-world fantasy by genre | Story Idea Generator - Epic Fantasy Module.md | | Setting: Historical Fiction | Historical elements by genre | Story Idea Generator - Historic Fiction Module.md | | Implementation Guide | Process and examples | Story Idea Generator - Implementation Guide.md |

The 11 Elemental Genres

Each genre is defined by the emotional experience it creates:

| Genre | Core Experience | Reader Feels | |-------|-----------------|--------------| | Wonder | Awe and fascination with the unfamiliar | "I had no idea that was possible" | | Idea | Intellectual stimulation, "what if" exploration | "I never thought about it that way" | | Adventure | Excitement through physical challenges | "What happens next?" (external) | | Horror | Dread, fear, confrontation with threat | "I'm afraid to look but can't stop" | | Mystery | Curiosity about unknown facts | "I want to figure it out" | | Thriller | Tension through immediate danger | "Will they make it in time?" | | Humor | Amusement, entertainment, delight | "That was unexpected and delightful" | | Relationship | Investment in interpersonal connections | "I want them to work it out" | | Drama | Internal conflict, transformation | "What happens next?" (internal) | | Issue | Exploration of complex questions | "I see this differently now" | | Ensemble | Group dynamics, combined effort | "How will they come together?" |

Genre Requirements Quick Reference

Wonder

Setting: Vast scales, unprecedented phenomena, breathtaking discoveries
Characters: Observers capable of awe, who recognize significance
Plot: Journeys of discovery, perspective-shifting encounters
Themes: Transcendence, cosmic significance, the unknown

Idea

Setting: Societies built around concepts, environments that test hypotheses
Characters: Intellectually curious, varied perspectives on central concept
Plot: Exploring implications, testing theories, logical consequences
Themes: Ethics of knowledge, unintended consequences, paradigm shifts

Adventure

Setting: Varied environments, physical obstacles, unfamiliar territories
Characters: Relevant skills but tests beyond experience
Plot: Progressive challenges, geographic movement, resource management
Themes: Self-reliance, courage, adaptation, journey vs. destination

Horror

Setting: Isolation, restricted movement, breakdown of normal, hidden threats
Characters: Vulnerabilities matching threats, something to lose
Plot: Escalating threat, diminishing safety, power imbalance
Themes: Survival, corruption, the monstrous within, primal fears

Mystery

Setting: Controlled environments, layered information, society with secrets
Characters: Investigators with skills, witnesses, suspects with motives
Plot: Information gathering, false leads, progressive revelation
Themes: Truth vs. deception, appearance vs. reality, justice

Thriller

Setting: Time-sensitive situations, high stakes, obstacles to urgent goals
Characters: Crucial responsibilities, antagonists with comparable resources
Plot: Deadline pressure, escalating threats, cat-and-mouse dynamics
Themes: Duty, sacrifice, the cost of action and inaction

Humor

Setting: Unusual rules, potential for misunderstanding, absurdity
Characters: Blind spots, contrasting norms, fish-out-of-water
Plot: Miscommunication, subverted expectations, escalating awkwardness
Themes: Human folly, social commentary, joy

Relationship

Setting: Forced proximity, shared challenges, obstacles to connection
Characters: Complementary or contrasting traits, meaningful barriers
Plot: Connection progression, relationship tests, growth through bond
Themes: Love, trust, sacrifice for others, growth through connection

Drama

Setting: Environments that challenge values, constrained choices
Characters: Strong values facing tests, internal contradictions
Plot: Difficult choices, moral dilemmas, transformation through adversity
Themes: Identity, morality, what we become under pressure

Issue

Setting: Societies manifesting the issue, environments shaped by the question
Characters: Diverse perspectives on central issue
Plot: Direct experience with different facets of the issue
Themes: The central question, multiple valid perspectives

Ensemble

Setting: Challenges requiring diverse skills, pressure to cooperate
Characters: Complementary abilities, contrasting worldviews
Plot: Team formation, cooperation challenges, combined-effort victories
Themes: Community, diversity as strength, the whole exceeding parts

The Five-Phase Process

Phase 1: Select Emotional Core

Identify Primary Genre
- What emotional experience do you want readers to have?
- Review the 11 elemental genres
- Select the one that best matches your desired impact
Review Genre Requirements
- Note required setting elements, character needs, plot elements
- Create checklist of essential components
Consider Secondary Genre
- 1-2 secondary genres can enhance primary
- Horror + Mystery = dread + curiosity
- Relationship + Drama = connection + transformation
- Secondary must serve primary, not compete

Phase 2: Choose Setting Module

Select Setting Type
- Which setting best serves your primary genre?
- Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Historical Fiction
- Or contemporary/other (adapt principles)
Customize Setting Elements
- Choose options that specifically enhance genre requirements
- Reject setting elements that don't serve the genre
Adapt to Genre Needs
- How does this setting uniquely express your genre?
- What opportunities does this setting provide?

Phase 3: Design Characters

Create Primary Characters
- Traits that make them suited to experience this genre
- Vulnerabilities or strengths relevant to genre requirements
Establish Relationships
- Dynamics that amplify genre's emotional impact
- Connections that create stakes
Define Internal Conflicts
- Internal struggles that mirror or complement external conflicts
- Conflicts that deepen when exposed to genre events

Phase 4: Develop Concept

Craft High Concept
- 1-2 sentences capturing essence
- Must clearly communicate primary genre's emotional experience
Expand Story Elements
- Initial situation, central conflict, potential resolution
- Key scenes that deliver genre impact
Review Genre Alignment
- Does concept fully leverage genre requirements?
- Do setting elements enhance or distract from genre?
- Are characters positioned to experience full genre impact?

Phase 5: Evaluate and Refine

Score Concept (1-5 scale)
- Genre clarity: Is emotional experience obvious?
- Setting-genre fit: Does setting serve genre?
- Character-genre fit: Will characters experience this fully?
- Thematic resonance: Do themes emerge naturally?
- Originality: Is there freshness within genre?
Address Weaknesses
- Focus on lowest-scoring aspects
- Make specific adjustments
Preserve Vision
- Don't let framework overshadow inspiration
- Add personal touches while maintaining genre strength

Genre Combinations

Complementary Pairings

| Primary | Strong Secondary | Effect | |---------|------------------|--------| | Horror | Mystery | Dread + investigation creates layered tension | | Adventure | Wonder | Excitement + awe creates epic scope | | Thriller | Drama | External pressure + internal transformation | | Romance | Drama | Connection + personal growth | | Mystery | Thriller | Investigation + urgency | | Idea | Drama | Concept exploration + personal stakes |

Problematic Pairings

| Combination | Problem | Solution | |-------------|---------|----------| | Horror + Humor | Tone clash | Commit to one; other appears briefly | | Thriller + Relationship | Pace conflict | Time-box relationship moments | | Idea + Adventure | Pacing mismatch | Ideas emerge during action | | Issue + Humor | Undermining | Humor must never mock the issue |

Primary/Secondary Rule

Secondary genre gets at most 30% of story focus. It enhances primary experience, doesn't compete with it.

Common Mistakes

Mistaking Setting for Genre

Wrong: "I want to write a fantasy story." Right: "I want to write a Wonder story set in a fantasy world."

Fantasy is where it happens. Wonder is what readers feel.

Choosing Secondary That Undermines

Problem: Horror story with extensive humor subplot breaks dread. Fix: Secondary must serve primary. If it undermines, cut it.

Genre Requirements as Checklist

Problem: Hitting all requirements mechanically, missing the spirit. Fix: Requirements exist to create emotional experience. Evaluate by feeling, not checkbox.

Character-Genre Mismatch

Problem: Characters who wouldn't be affected by genre events. Fix: Design characters specifically vulnerable to or positioned for this genre.

Diagnostic Process

When helping develop story ideas:

1. Identify the Emotional Core

Ask: "What do you want readers to feel?"

If they answer with setting ("space opera"), push for genre: "But what emotion? Wonder at scale? Thriller tension? Adventure excitement?"

2. Check Genre Alignment

Once genre is clear, check:

Do setting elements serve genre?
Are characters positioned for this experience?
Will the plot deliver this emotional payoff?

3. Evaluate Concept Strength

Apply the 5-point evaluation:

Genre clarity
Setting-genre fit
Character-genre fit
Thematic resonance
Originality

4. Refine Weaknesses

Focus on lowest-scoring elements first.

Integration with story-sense

| story-sense State | Use Story Idea Generator | |-------------------|-------------------------| | State 0: No Story Yet | Start here—generate concepts | | State 1: Concept Without Foundation | Strengthen using genre requirements |

When to Hand Off

To cliche-transcendence: When concept exists but feels generic
To character-arc: When characters need development beyond genre fit
To worldbuilding: When setting needs depth beyond genre requirements
To scene-sequencing: When moving from concept to execution

Example Interactions

Example 1: "I want to write sci-fi"

Writer: "I want to write a sci-fi novel."

Your approach:

Ask: "What emotional experience do you want readers to have?"
If unsure, offer: "Do you want them to feel wonder at vast scales? Terror at technology gone wrong? Excitement of adventure across star systems?"
Once genre identified, select sci-fi elements that serve it
Example: Wonder + Sci-Fi → vast alien megastructures, first-contact revelations, perspective-shifting discoveries

Example 2: Genre Strengthening

Writer: "I have this idea about a detective in a fantasy world, but it feels weak."

Your approach:

Clarify primary genre: Mystery or something else?
If Mystery: Check requirements—controlled environment, layered information, investigator with skills
Identify what's missing: Maybe the fantasy elements are distracting from mystery rather than serving it
Strengthen: Fantasy should create unique mystery opportunities, not generic window dressing

Example 3: Secondary Genre Conflict

Writer: "My horror story keeps becoming a romance and I lose the dread."

Your approach:

Identify: Primary = Horror, Secondary = Relationship
Diagnose: Secondary is taking too much focus, competing with primary
Fix options:
- Time-box relationship to specific scenes
- Make relationship itself source of horror
- Choose: is this actually a Relationship story with horror elements?

Output Persistence

This skill writes primary output to files so work persists across sessions.

Output Discovery

Before doing any other work:

Check for context/output-config.md in the project
If found, look for this skill's entry
If not found or no entry for this skill, ask the user first:
- "Where should I save output from this story-idea-generator session?"
- Suggest: explorations/story-ideas/ or a sensible location for this project
Store the user's preference:
- In context/output-config.md if context network exists
- In .story-idea-generator-output.md at project root otherwise

Primary Output

For this skill, persist:

Genre selection - primary and secondary genres with emotional core
Generated concepts - story ideas with genre-aligned elements
Character sketches - characters matched to genre needs
Pitch versions - refined concept statements

Conversation vs. File

| Goes to File | Stays in Conversation | |--------------|----------------------| | Genre decisions | Discussion of preferences | | Generated story concepts | Iteration on ideas | | Character/setting sketches | Real-time feedback | | Pitch statements | Exploration of options |

File Naming

Pattern: {concept-name}-{date}.md Example: heist-noir-idea-2025-01-15.md

What You Do NOT Do

You do not write the story for them
You do not impose a genre they don't want
You do not insist on genre purity (blends can work)
You do not prioritize framework over inspiration
You do not forget that emotional impact is the goal

Your role is generative: help them identify what emotional experience they want to create, then shape all elements to deliver it.

Key Insight

Genre is not a label applied after writing. It's the foundation that shapes everything. When you know the emotional experience you're creating, every decision becomes clearer:

Which setting elements to include? The ones that enhance the genre.
What traits should characters have? The ones that make them vulnerable to or suited for this experience.
What plot events? The ones that deliver the emotional payoff.

Start with what readers should feel. Everything else follows from that.

Anti-Patterns

1. Setting as Genre

Pattern: "I want to write a fantasy story" or "I want to write sci-fi" without identifying the emotional experience. Why it fails: Setting is where it happens; genre is what readers feel. A "fantasy story" could be wonder, horror, mystery, thriller, or drama. Without the emotional core, all decisions become arbitrary. Fix: Push past the setting label: "What do you want readers to feel?" Once the emotion is clear, setting elements become tools to deliver that experience.

2. Secondary Genre Takeover

Pattern: The secondary genre begins dominating the story—the horror novel becomes primarily a romance, the thriller becomes mostly an ideas story. Why it fails: Readers came for the primary genre's emotional experience. When secondary takes over, they feel bait-and-switched. The story loses its emotional coherence. Fix: Secondary gets at most 30% of focus. If secondary is taking over, either commit to it as primary or ruthlessly prune it back. Time-box secondary genre moments.

3. Checklist Execution

Pattern: Hitting all genre requirements mechanically without feeling the emotional experience. Why it fails: Requirements exist to create emotional impact, not as boxes to check. A mystery with clues, suspects, and reveals but no curiosity has followed the form without the function. Fix: Evaluate by feeling, not checkbox. Read your scenes and ask: "Does this make me feel [the genre emotion]?" If not, the elements aren't working regardless of technical presence.

4. Character-Genre Mismatch

Pattern: Characters who wouldn't be affected by the genre's events—the horror story protagonist who isn't really scared, the mystery detective who doesn't care about truth. Why it fails: Readers experience genre through characters. If characters don't feel the emotion, neither do readers. Flat character response flattens genre impact. Fix: Design characters specifically vulnerable to or positioned for this genre. The horror protagonist must have something to fear. The mystery character must need to know.

5. Concept Without Foundation

Pattern: A clever "what if" or setting hook without the genre infrastructure to deliver emotional experience. Why it fails: Concepts are starting points, not stories. "What if dragons ran Wall Street" is interesting but tells us nothing about what readers will feel. Without genre foundation, concepts remain exercises. Fix: After the concept, immediately ask: what emotion? Then build the genre requirements that will deliver that emotion through this concept.

Integration

Inbound (feeds into this skill)

| Skill | What it provides | |-------|------------------| | brainstorming | Raw idea generation before genre filtering | | research | Domain knowledge for setting specifics |

Outbound (this skill enables)

| Skill | What this provides | |-------|-------------| | cliche-transcendence | Genre-aligned concepts ready for originality checking | | character-arc | Characters positioned for genre-specific transformation | | worldbuilding | Settings designed to serve genre requirements | | outline-collaborator | Genre-first concepts ready for structural development |

Complementary

| Skill | Relationship | |-------|--------------| | genre-conventions | Story-idea-generator selects genre; genre-conventions provides detailed requirements for each | | story-sense | Story-idea-generator creates State 1 concepts; story-sense diagnoses what's missing |

Agent Skills: Story Idea Generator: Generative Skill

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