Fantasy and science fiction writer Cat Rambo shows multiple ways to take a story idea and flesh it out into a complete draft, looking at different ways in which ideas may manifest, such as plot, character, literary device, theme, scene, title, prompt, historical moment, collaboration, tribute to another writer, and more. Each section discusses a specific way an idea can appear, what that provides the writer, pitfalls to watch out for, and possible next steps, along with writing exercises designed to let the reader test each technique and idea and one of Rambo’s stories that started in that way.

Whether you read start to finish or skip around to various sections, this book is designed to fine-tune and amplify your ability to take any idea and make it into a story, taught by one of the finest storyteller teachers working in speculative fiction today.