How to Create an Original Story: Tips and Tricks for Writers
Are you an aspiring writer struggling to come up with an original story? Do you find yourself stuck in the same old tropes and clichés? Creating an original story can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques, you can come up with a unique and engaging plot that stands out from the crowd.
In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks for developing a unique concept, creating well-rounded characters, establishing an engaging plot, using descriptive and vivid language, and editing and revising your work. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools you need to create an original story that captivates your readers.
Develop a Unique Concept

The first step in creating an original story is developing a unique concept. While it’s tempting to stick to familiar tropes and genres, it’s important to brainstorm ideas that are not overused. Here are some tips for coming up with a fresh angle to an existing idea:
- Combine genres: Mix two or more genres to create a hybrid story. For example, a horror-comedy or a romance-sci-fi.
- Twist an existing idea: Take a familiar trope and turn it on its head. For example, a superhero story where the villain is the protagonist.
- Draw from personal experience: Write what you know by drawing from your own experiences and interests. Your unique perspective can bring a fresh take on a familiar concept.
Once you have a concept in mind, it’s important to refine it by asking yourself questions. Who are the characters? What motivates them? What conflicts will they face? By answering these questions, you’ll be able to develop a more detailed and engaging plot.
Create Well-rounded Characters

Well-rounded characters are essential to creating an original story that resonates with readers. Flat characters can make the story feel stagnant and predictable. To create well-rounded characters, consider the following:
- Background: Think about your character’s upbringing, family, and past experiences. How have these factors shaped who they are today?
- Motivation: What drives your character? What are their goals and desires? Understanding their motivation will help you create more believable and relatable characters.
- Flaws: No one is perfect, and neither should your characters be. Give them flaws that make them human and relatable.
By creating well-rounded characters, you’ll be able to create a more dynamic and engaging story. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to establish an engaging plot.
Establish an Engaging Plot
An engaging plot is crucial to keeping your readers interested in your story. While the specifics of the plot will depend on your unique concept and characters, there are some elements of a good plot that are universal:
- Conflict: Every good story has conflict, whether it’s internal or external. The conflict should be clear and compelling, keeping readers invested in the outcome.
- Rising Action: As the story progresses, the tension should build. Each scene should move the story forward and increase the stakes for the characters.
- Climax: The climax is the point of highest tension in the story. It’s the moment where the conflict comes to a head and the characters must make a decision that will affect the outcome.
- Resolution: The resolution should tie up all loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion for the reader.
To keep the readers engaged throughout the story, consider the following tips:
- Keep the pace moving: Avoid long stretches of exposition or slow-moving scenes. Keep the story moving forward by introducing new conflicts and challenges.
- Use foreshadowing: Foreshadowing can create suspense and keep readers guessing about what will happen next.
- Use cliffhangers: Ending a chapter or scene on a cliffhanger can keep readers invested in the story and eager to find out what happens next.
Create Well-rounded Characters
Well-rounded characters are essential to creating an original story that resonates with readers. Flat characters can make the story feel stagnant and predictable. To create well-rounded characters, consider the following:
- Background: Think about your character’s upbringing, family, and past experiences. How have these factors shaped who they are today?
- Motivation: What drives your character? What are their goals and desires? Understanding their motivation will help you create more believable and relatable characters.
- Flaws: No one is perfect, and neither should your characters be. Give them flaws that make them human and relatable.
By creating well-rounded characters, you’ll be able to create a more dynamic and engaging story. Readers will be invested in the characters and their journey, making the story more memorable and impactful.
Use Descriptive and Vivid Language
Using descriptive and vivid language is essential to creating an original story that captivates your readers. Descriptive language helps set the scene, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind. Here are some tips on how to use vivid language to create an immersive experience for your readers:
- Use sensory details: Engage all the senses by describing what the characters see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. This will help the reader feel more connected to the story.
- Use metaphors and similes: Comparing one thing to another can help create a more vivid image. For example, “the sky was as red as a fresh wound.”
- Use active verbs: Active verbs help create a sense of movement and action. Rather than saying “she walked,” say “she strutted” or “she sauntered.”
By using descriptive and vivid language, you’ll be able to bring your story to life and create a more engaging reading experience.
Edit and Revise
Once you’ve written your story, it’s important to edit and revise it. Editing and revising help refine your ideas and ensure that your story flows smoothly. Here are some tips on how to edit and revise your story effectively:
- Take a break: Step away from your story for a few days or weeks. When you come back to it with fresh eyes, you’ll be able to spot errors more easily.
- Identify plot holes: Read through your story and look for any inconsistencies or plot holes. Make sure that your story makes sense and that all loose ends are tied up.
- Check for grammatical errors: Use a spell checker and grammar checker to identify any errors. However, don’t rely solely on these tools. Proofread your work carefully to ensure that it’s error-free.
- Get feedback: Share your story with friends, family, or a writing group. Getting feedback from others can help you identify areas that need improvement.
By editing and revising your story, you’ll be able to refine your ideas and ensure that your story is the best it can be. Remember, creating an original story takes time and effort, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a story that stands out from the crowd.