The Story Idea Vault — The Big One

It’s a common misconception that a great idea makes a great story. The truth is that most great stories come down to execution. A great idea with poor execution rarely works, but a great writer can breathe new life into even the most tired tropes.

Like any writer, I have my own treasure trove of ideas that might end up in a story…someday. But why horde them? Instead, I’m opening the vault and setting them free.

Feel free to use these ideas as a weekly writing prompt, or come up with your own twist and reply in the comments.

Idea of the Week – The Big One

Wizards are often depicted constantly slinging fireballs and lightning bolts, but real magic isn’t like that at all. Real magic requires a huge amount of energy—energy that takes months, years, or even decades for a person to accumulate. Casting a spell burns all of that energy. Some wizards spend a lifetime accumulating energy for a single spell.

What spells do wizards spend all that time preparing? Do the rich and powerful pay fortunes for a single spell to be cast; or threaten, blackmail, and coerce wizards into doing what they want? Do the wizards keep their accumulated power a secret?

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Author: Samuel Johnston

Professional software developer, unprofessional writer, and generally interested in almost everything.

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