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- Supa Story #2: Big Ideas, Bigger Stories.
Supa Story #2: Big Ideas, Bigger Stories.
Every unforgettable story starts with a Big Idea.
Emerge Story Company & Ololade Okedare
October 21, 2024
Hey Storyteller
Ayobola kicked things off last week with some gems on finding your voice, and now, it's my turn! 😉 This week, we're diving into one of my favourite parts of storytelling — finding and expanding the Big Idea.
Every unforgettable story starts with a Big Idea. It’s that seed that grows into an entire world, filled with characters, conflicts, and moments that stick with your audience long after the credits roll. But finding that Big Idea? It can feel like chasing lightning in a bottle.
So, let’s break it down.
Start With What Moves You 🌟
Not every idea is worth a full story, but the ones that truly resonate with you often have the most potential. What topics get you fired up? What’s a question you keep asking yourself? What answers burn within that you want to share with the world? Your passion (and convictions) are the fuel that’ll keep you going through the long writing process.
Think of stories like Queen of Katwe or The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. These weren’t just stories — they were movements, born from a deep connection to the material. Your Big Idea should excite you in the same way.
Look for the Universal in the Specific 🌍🎯
The best Big Ideas are universal but grounded in specific experiences. It’s what makes your story relatable and fresh at the same time.
Maybe you want to tell a story about a small-town football team struggling to win their first championship. Specifically, it’s about that little town, its quirks, and that one coach who never gives up. But universally, it’s about resilience, hope, and the underdog spirit.
That balance between the specific and the universal makes stories cross borders and touch hearts.
Don’t Force the Idea, Let It Simmer 🍲🔥
Great ideas often need time to develop, like a rich pot of Nigerian party jollof rice (you know, the kind that just hits differently. Don’t argue with the stats. Lol). Instead of forcing it, let your idea simmer in the back of your mind.
Keep a journal, jot down random thoughts, and let them breathe. Sometimes, the best parts of your idea will come to you when you least expect it — like in the shower or while stuck in Lagos traffic!
Ask Yourself ‘What If?’ 🤔❓
The ‘What If’ game is a great way to expand your idea. Ask yourself a series of ‘What If’ questions to push your story beyond the obvious.
What if my character had to make an impossible choice?
What if the setting was flipped on its head?
What if the hero’s greatest strength became their biggest flaw?
What if this extraordinary character lived in my ordinary world?
This helps you stretch your concept and find new angles that make it more intriguing and layered.
Know When to Let Go ✋🏾🚪
Not every idea is meant to become a full script. Some are just warm-ups, creative exercises, or stepping stones to the next Big Idea. Don’t be afraid to abandon a concept if it’s not giving you that spark. But don’t delete it either — store it somewhere. You never know when it might evolve into something else.
That’s it for this week! Big ideas lead to bigger stories, so don’t be afraid to dream a little wilder. And remember, a story that moves you is more likely to move your audience too.
Next Week: Story Structure
Next week, Ayobola will be back with tips on building your story structure. Until then, keep your pens moving and your ideas flowing!
If you’ve got any questions or want to share your latest Big Idea, just hit reply. We’d love to hear from you!
Yours-in-Storytelling,
Ololade Okedare,
For Emerge Story Company.