Upon decluttering my stashed things from who knows when back then, I found a document from a Film and Television short course that I took part in early 2011. Titled “10 important questions to ask yourself”, I’d forgotten the context of this document. From glossing over the content, these questions for a writer would surely be of value to this course.
1) “What is the conflict?” Good stories have strong conflict. No conflict, no story.
2) “What’s the worst thing that can happen to this character?” Make that happen and then make the hero overcome it.
3) “What’s the opposite of what I’m thinking?” Is that an interesting event in the story? Is it better or worse?
4) “What would this character do if they couldn’t talk?” Movies are visual. It’s more important to show what a character does that hear what it is they say.
5) “Do I know the ending?” This will mean you have a goal to write towards; and you will finish the script too!
6) “Who knows what, when?” If you’re stuck, give one character a secret that another character is unaware of. This always results in conflict and tension.
7) “Do I break the story rules I’ve set up?” Consistency is important. If Spiderman can swing from a web, don’t get to the end and then say he can fly. The audience won’t believe you.
8) “Is it clear who my hero is?” The audience need someone to barrack for and identify with. This is usually the hero. There should be something about them that is like you and me. Something we can relate to.
9) “Is it clear who the bad guy is?” Just like the hero, there should be something about them that is just like you and me. Something we can relate to. This makes them real.
10) “What am I embarrassed about?” If you’re stuck for a story, ask yourself this question. The chances are it’s thrilling hilarious, tragic, or dramatic. All good things for stories!
Now try applying every single question to George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and see how effective these are.