Summary

The author presents a unique method for generating story ideas by selecting a picture first and then crafting a narrative around it, emphasizing character and situation over plot.

Abstract

The article titled "My Foolproof Tactic to Generate Story Ideas" introduces a novel approach to creative writing, where the author advocates for choosing a picture randomly and then developing a story based on the visual cues and emotional resonance of the image. This method is credited with the success of 2700 out of 3000 students who were taught by the author, with the implication that it led to their rise as best-selling authors in New York City. The author dismisses the concept of writer's block and suggests that the picture can inspire various story elements, including character relationships and the influence of external factors like alcohol. The process is described as foolproof and superior to focusing on plot, as endorsed by the author's personal teaching experience and a contrast to Stephen King's storytelling approach.

Opinions

The author claims superiority in generating story ideas and questions Stephen King's reliance on character and situation over plot.
Writer's block is deemed a myth, with the author asserting that their method ensures a constant flow of story ideas.
The article suggests that the author's teaching methods, which include giving away bitcoins, are effective and driven by passion rather than financial gain.
The author believes that not all personal experiences are universally appealing and advises writers to consider their audience when incorporating personal anecdotes.
There is a suggestion that therapists and bartenders can provide valuable insights for story development, implying that research and consultation with professionals are important.
The author implies that the choice of picture dictates the story's direction and that this approach is more effective than traditional methods of story generation.
The article takes a humorous tone, with exaggerated claims about the success of the author'

HUMOR

My Foolproof Tactic to Generate Story Ideas

Stephen King knows I’m doing better than him

You’re probably smart so I know you’re thinking — what’s my credibility. Yet you aren’t smart enough to generate story ideas as fast as me. That’s where I come in. But hey, you’re smart enough for wanting to know how I do what I do best. Pat yourself on the back.

If my strategy works for me, how can I be sure it’ll work for you? I’ve taught creative writing courses to 3000 people. Ask 2700 of them and they’ll tell you how I contributed to their successful writing careers. I may or may not have begged them to speak highly of me.

Did I tell you I taught them those lessons by giving them my bitcoins in payment?

Why? — Because I can.

Also, I want to prove a point that I’m in it for my passion, not for the money.

Just so you know, all 2700 people are now the best-selling authors in New York City. So trust me unless you’re a rebel like my other 300 students.

What happened to those 300? They were in too deep, writing 23 hours a day for 120 days in a row. As a result, they killed themselves. But life goes on.

How’s that for a killer intro?

It’s showtime, girls!

Choose Your Story Based On Your Picture

People spend hours and even days trying to find an ideal picture for their stories to hypnotize the readers. Here’s the kicker — I don’t choose the picture for the stories I write. I write stories from the pictures I choose.

How to Choose The Picture

I choose pictures randomly. To give you a clearer picture, let’s take this very story you’re reading. I had no idea of what to type in the magnifying glass tool to find pictures. Whenever my mind goes blank, I almost always type “girl”. This girl with her beer can showed up. It’s probably her lucky day.

Now What

Now all I had to do was generate a solid story from my picture. I looked at the picture pensively and asked her, “Now what?”

The girl and her “I” shaped beer can indicated — I CAN. That stunning girl kept me going. God, I love her innocuous smile. She inspired me to write a story about her. In my book, writer’s block is a myth and a fancy word made up by some losers.

What Now

Feeling stuck already? Look at the picture carefully. What does it tell you? She is happy. It is summer there. Is she happy because it's summer? — Research.

What else do you see? Why is she alone? Could she be happy because she’s alone? What’s the connection there? Do your research and talk to your therapist to find out. Give them some actual work for once.

Unpopular Opinion

How can you relate to this picture? Did you have a personal experience similar to it? People want to hear your stories too. Make the connection. But remember, not everything is about you. Only a few care about your personal stories. Don’t be naive.

There’s More to This Than Meets The “I”

Go back to the picture now. Could she be happy because she’d just broke up with her insecure boyfriend? Maybe she has a lovable boyfriend who actually took this picture of her and they’re living a happy life?

What is the connection between relationships and happiness? Do your research and ask your therapist. Ask your friend Jennifer about her personal experience to add more credibility.

The Thicken Plots

Did you notice she’s drinking a Czech Braník beer? Is she happy only because she’s consuming alcohol? Whoa! Is there a twist in the tale?

Research — How much influence alcohol has on one’s happiness? If it is high, which alcohol drink does the trick? Don’t ask your therapist. Ask your bartender McLovin for more credibility.

You might want to consider this: What if she’s faking her smile this whole time for an Instagram picture for more likes? Is that what girls do? Wouldn’t it be so revealing? Sure, it could use some generalization — Research.

I could go on. But I am not teaching you anymore without paying you anything.

Now choose your title and subtitle based on whatever you decided to write about from my several story suggestions. Even if you are exhausted by now, this process literally cannot go wrong.

When so-called experts tell you pictures are so important for your stories, they don’t know what they’re saying.

Stephen The King?

Stephen King once explained on stage how he writes his stories. The audience was laughing. He was dead serious:

You have to follow the characters and you have to follow the story where it leads. The last thing that I want to do is to spoil a book with plot. Plot is the last resort of bad writers. I’m a lot more interested in character and situation and you’ll follow it where it goes. I had no idea that Tad was gonna die and I had no idea that Danny and his mother were gonna live, but I was really glad when they did.

Am I a more prolific writer than Mr. King? — You be the judge of that.

Fiction or non-fiction — this is how I roll.

Bonus tip: If you want to pick any picture from your own camera roll and still follow my tactic — take it from there too, you shall.

Takeaway

You don’t pick the picture for your story. You pick the story from your picture.