The blank page method is really simple. You take a blank page, and you fill it with as many individual ideas as you can. Divide it however you want, make as many categories as you need, just start putting down ideas.

Once you have a bunch of ideas jotted down, just start piecing them together and coming up with a way to make them all work.

If you need help understanding how to use the blank page method, a detailed example can be found in my worldbuilding lesson.

General format: Choose any plot element and then list as many variations and archetypes that fall within that element. Then, take one of your ideas and combine them with suggestions from other users. Try to keep your suggestions short and open to interpretation.

Example:

• Quest: Fetch Quest, Killing the Demon King, Saving the Girl, Escaping
• Plot Archetypes: The Apprentice Plot, Heist Plot, Revenge Plot, Tragedy, The Hero's Journey, Rags to Riches, Riches to Rags
• Twists: The Butler Did It, It Was All A Dream, Sudden Betrayal

Combined Plot: A butler has been tasked with a fetch quest for a rare poisonous flower because they're actually an apprentice assassin.

Many questions arise that can begin to form your story around an idea. Who are they trying to kill? Does the butler's estate know they are an assassin? Is the estate full of assassins?

Now, it's time to add your ideas!

Daily practice entry

Status Quo shifts:

• The village has burned down
• Character death
• Broken relationship
• Injury
• Fixed relationship