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Tools to Pursue Ideas
There are tools to do this; brainstorming, research, condensation, and displacement.
Brainstorming
Play what if. Use some boundries like:
Define the time period and genre.
Cast and recast untill if works.
List the attributes of the characters.
Find metaphors.
Kick around your ideas with others - the more minds the better.
Research
Gather information
Factual Research - is it for real?
Observational Research - watch, listen, and learn.
Experimental Research - try it ( be careful ).
Condensation
What if you have too much? Give only what you need.
Displacement
Change to another viewpoint while keeping the story. Try the story from the eyes of all your characters. Which works best?