1.2: Develop An Idea or Concept for your Story
Ideas can come from anywhere and the beauty of having a group is that each of you see the world through a different lens and each of you will be drawn to different objects, themes, and ideas. When deciding on ideas you must first establish a strong community before you begin selecting ideas or making choices. When someone brings an idea forward to the group make sure that the gift is acknowledged and appreciated. It takes a tremendous amount of courage for people to bring their ideas forward especially if that idea is going to be evaluated or criticized. Make sure each member's ideas are welcomed and then discuss the creative possibilities of the idea. Then as a group select the idea that excites the group as a whole and provides the most dramatic possibilities.
One philosophy to live by is to “be willing to give up your good ideas.” When your idea is not selected it does not mean that the idea itself is bad or that the group does not like you, it just means that idea will fit a different group or time and be better served later. Instead help the group refine the collective idea. You are brilliant and are full of good ideas, let them come and trust that more will come later. Do not stay married to an idea, rather be open to change and help make your friend’s ideas come to life.
When selecting ideas first have each idea be presented to the group by the person who is bringing it in. This will allow the idea to be introduced to the group by its most passionate representative, and then open the idea to questions. Make sure the questions are positive and are designed to see where the idea can go dramatically. Once the idea is presented then move to the next until all ideas have been brought forward.
Next write the ideas on the board and give everyone 2 votes meaning that they can vote to select 2 items. Go through each item and tally up the results. Erase the ideas with the lowest votes and repeat the process giving each person only 1 vote. Continue until you have 2-3 ideas and then select the idea with the highest votes.