1. * What are some of your favorite stories and why?
2. * What books/movies have inspired you most as a writer?
3. * Who are your favorite fictional characters? Why do you relate to them?
4. * What elements make a story feel original to you?
5. * What genres or narrative styles interest you most?
6. * What real-world issues, causes or themes would you like your stories to explore?
7. * How do you want readers to feel when they experience your writing?
8. * Do you admire any authors or filmmakers for their style and voice? What draws you to their work?
9. * What life experiences or personal passions would you like to incorporate into your writing?
10. * Tell me about a book or movie that made you laugh out loud. What was it about the humor that worked so well?
11. * When was the last time you read a story that surprised you or took an unexpected turn? What made the twist impactful?
12. * Have you ever read a book or seen a movie that changed your perspective? What new insights did it provide?
13. * What's a story world you've gotten totally immersed in? What details brought it to life?
14. * Who's a villain or antagonist you found really compelling? What made them complex?
15. * Are there places, time periods or cultures you find fascinating to explore creatively?
16. * What mythologies, legends or historical events inspire your imagination?
17. Characters
18. * Character Analysis - Looking at the protagonists, antagonists, and other roles to understand their backgrounds, motivations, flaws, arcs and growth. Reveals theme and internal conflict.
19. * Character Relationships - How characters interact and influence each other. Drives growth, tension, chemistry, or conflict.
20. Plot
21. * Plot Points Identification - Pinpointing the major narrative beats and turning points that drive the story forward and affect the characters. Reveals structure and momentum.
22. * Pacing and Structure - Evaluating the sequencing, ordering, and timing of scenes and chapters. Impacts narrative flow and audience engagement.
23. Themes
24. * Theme and Message Extraction - Determining the central ideas, commentaries, or lessons conveyed about society, human nature, etc. The heart of what the story is about.
25. * Symbolism and Motifs - Recurring images, objects, and ideas that represent broader meanings and thematic significance beyond literal purpose.
26. Storytelling Craft
27. * Narrative Voice and Point of View - Whose "lens" the story is told through and how this shapes style and reader experience.
28. * Dialogue Analysis - Looking at patterns and distinctiveness in how characters speak. Reveals personality, emotions, and relationships.
29. * Cinematic Techniques (for Movies) - Camera work, lighting, editing, sound, etc. that drive visual storytelling and audience emotions.
30. Context
31. * Setting and Context Identification - Examining when and where the story takes place. This can inform character motives and obstacles faced.
32. * Historical and Cultural Context - Real-world backdrop that shaped the narrative. Provides deeper resonance.
