When I have a new idea I want to incorporate into a story, don’t jump to making that idea into a whole story arc.
Instead, make it a scene. A one-off.
New ideas needs to prove themselves first.
As a feature demonstrates its value and effectiveness, there will be a natural inclination to include that feature into more scenes and aspects of the story.
If a feature proves itself enough, it can grow into being an entire story arc, or even an entire book.
I’ve often noticed a tendency when I have a story idea, to go all out and make it a driving force for the story.
I usually need to back up in those cases.
Today (March 15, 2025) I realized more what was going on.
I have been promoting new features to the status of story arc.
Like the parable of the talents, features need to prove themselves with the little things before they are granted more.
It is not good to hire a child as the leader of a company.
Many of my staple story features began life as one-off ideas.
Some examples from the first Marloth book are:
Some examples from the second book: