Day 1 of The Story Before the Story: Take Inventory
I’m spending the next 28 days returning to a novel I want to finish. Rather than posting chapters or revealing the plot, I’m sharing the exercises that are helping me think more clearly about storytelling.
Today’s focus is simple: Take inventory.
Today’s Prompt
What story are you trying to tell? What story is actually on the page?
If you’re starting from scratch: Write a one-paragraph story promise. What is your story about, and what do you want readers to experience?
If you’re returning to a draft: Summarize what’s already on the page, then identify what still excites you about the story.
Why I’m Sitting With This
The first act of returning to a manuscript is to listen to it rather than correct it.
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I was tempted to edit as I read. Or look at it and start rewriting everything. I’m trying to resist that urge. I’m giving these questions enough space to reveal what my story actually needs. Not what I think a novel is supposed to do.
From My Writing Desk
As I reread the opening chapters, I noticed I spent a lot of time introducing characters and providing backstory that doesn’t immediately make sense.
But as I continued reading, I began to recognize what I was trying to accomplish. I wanted to introduce the people, relationships, and experiences that shaped my main character.
The intention was there, but the execution needs work.
I did far more telling than showing, and I can already see opportunities to expand certain scenes, strengthen character development, and revise the narrative.
Right now, I have nine chapters. Well, really eight and a half. And you know what? I enjoyed reading them. I could see where I was beginning to find my rhythm. I could recognize moments when the writing started to flow, and the story began taking shape.
I could also see why I stopped. That realization alone made today’s exercise worthwhile.
I’m hopeful that these next 28 days will help me flesh out the rest of the story while improving what’s already on the page.
What I’m Taking Forward
The point of this exercise isn’t to have all the answers today. It’s to make one thoughtful decision that I can carry into the next page.
Today, I’m recognizing that there’s something worth returning to. The story may need restructuring, expansion, and revision, but I still believe in its foundation.
If you try today’s prompt, feel free to keep your response private or share only what feels comfortable. We’re building stories one honest question at a time.
