Extra! Extra! Write all about it!

Photo by Adrian Cogua on Unsplash

Here's a great exercise for generating story ideas and keeping you on track with the world you're building.

All the news that's fit to print

Every month or so, assemble a newspaper that reports what's happening in your world.

I know. That's a bit anachronistic. You can substitute "newspaper" with a social-media feed, a newsletter, or any other metaphor. Still, a traditional newspaper layout is perfect for the kind of exercise I'm talking about—dated as it is.

As you assemble the front page, ask yourself: "What are the top five or six stories in the world I'm building?" What are the local developments that are causing the most upheaval? What's happening in the broader world that may have ripple effects for your main characters?

Although you could stop at the front page, you may choose to go even further. For example: Do you know what time of year it is in your story? What's the weather like? Which local businesses are booming? Which ones are closing? What would a lifestyle reporter be talking about in your world now? How about a sports reporter?