Finding and Developing Story Ideas

The video tutorial explores how to find and assess good story ideas for non-fiction writing. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity, balancing passion with practical considerations, and engaging the audience. The speaker encourages finding story ideas in everyday life and unexpected places, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the process.

What is the primary focus when beginning to write a piece of non-fiction?

• Finding a good story idea

• Choosing a catchy title

• Deciding on the length of the piece

• Selecting the right audience

What is the most elemental issue to consider when finding a story idea?

• The editor's preference

• The potential profit

• Curiosity about the subject

• The number of pages

Why is it important to assess if a subject is too narrow or too broad?

• To help readers understand the subject's extent

• To make it easier to write

• To ensure it fits within a magazine

• To determine the potential audience size

What should you be prepared to do if you propose a very narrow subject to an editor?

• Defend it as an example of something bigger

• Submit multiple drafts

• Offer to write it for free

• Provide a detailed outline

How can passion for a subject benefit a writer?

• It guarantees a bestseller

• It attracts more editors

• It can draw readers in through enthusiasm

• It reduces the need for research

What practical issue should be considered when planning a story?

• The number of characters

• The writer's personal schedule

• The color scheme of the publication

• The length needed to tell the story effectively

What analogy is used to describe how to gauge if a story will interest others?

• A sports event

• A classroom lecture

• A dinner party

• A business meeting

What is a key method for finding good story ideas?

• Reading only popular magazines

• Staying indoors and brainstorming

• Following trending topics on social media

• Being out in the world and open to ideas

What should a writer do when an idea doesn't work out as a story?

• Rewrite the idea multiple times

• Abandon writing altogether

• Blame the editor

• Keep practicing and move on

How did the speaker come up with a story idea in a supermarket?

• By talking to the store manager

• By wondering how food is stocked

• By reading product labels

• By observing the checkout process