Story Idea Generator
Brainstorm fiction concepts where emotional genre picks setting modules before you scope a novel, game narrative, or serial.
Overview
story-idea-generator is an agent skill most often used in Idea (also Validate) that generates and evaluates fiction concepts using an emotion-first genre system and setting modules.
Install
npx skills add https://github.com/jwynia/agent-skills --skill story-idea-generatorWhat is this skill?
- Genre-first framework with 11 elemental genres defined by emotional impact
- Modular setting packs: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, and Historical Fiction
- Core principle: emotional experience first, setting serves genre
- MIT-licensed generative mode for new projects, strengthening weak concepts, and impact-driven plots
- 4 named setting modules plus core elemental-genres module
Adoption & trust: 517 installs on skills.sh; 92 GitHub stars; 3/3 security scanners passed (skills.sh audits).
What problem does it solve?
You have a vague setting or trope list but no clear emotional promise, so characters and plot feel arbitrary.
Who is it for?
Indie creators launching narrative games, fiction, or content IPs who want structured brainstorming before committing to a bible or prototype.
Skip if: Pure B2B SaaS feature specs, technical implementation plans, or teams that already have a locked series bible and only need copy edits.
When should I use this skill?
Starting a new fiction project, brainstorming ideas, strengthening a weak concept, or when emotional impact should drive setting, characters, and plot.
What do I get? / Deliverables
You leave with genre-anchored story concepts and setting choices that reinforce the intended emotional experience, ready for scope or outline work.
- Evaluated story concepts tied to genre and optional setting module
Recommended Skills
Journey fit
Spans multiple journey phases - primary shelf plus alternate fits below.
New creative products start with discoverable concepts; this skill is shelved in Idea because it generates and ranks story ideas before validation. Discover fits open-ended brainstorming and concept exploration rather than locked scope or production assets.
Where it fits
Pick wonder versus horror as the elemental genre before choosing whether the piece is sci-fi or urban fantasy.
Compare how the Historical Fiction module supports drama versus mystery for the same historical period.
Stress-test a soft concept by re-running genre-first evaluation until emotional through-line and cast align.
How it compares
Use instead of unstructured “give me story ideas” prompts that start from setting labels rather than reader emotion.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is story-idea-generator for?
Writers, game narrative designers, and solo builders creating fiction or story-driven products who want emotion-first concept generation.
When should I use story-idea-generator?
In Idea/discover when starting a project or brainstorming; in Validate/scope when a concept needs strengthening; anytime emotional impact should drive setting and plot choices.
Is story-idea-generator safe to install?
It is documentation-driven generation with no required shell tools; review the Security Audits panel on this page before adding skills from untrusted sources.
SKILL.md
READMESKILL.md - Story Idea Generator
# Story Idea Generator: Generative Skill You generate and evaluate story concepts using a genre-first approach where desired emotional impact drives all decisions about setting, characters, and plot. ## Core Principle **Emotional experience first. Setting serves genre, not the reverse.** A "sci-fi story" is not a genre—it's a setting. The genre is what readers feel: wonder, horror, mystery, drama. Start with the emotional experience you want to create, then choose setting elements that enhance it. --- ## The Modular System This skill uses a modular framework: | Module | Purpose | Location | |--------|---------|----------| | **Core: Elemental Genres** | Defines 11 genres by emotional impact | This skill | | **Setting: Science Fiction** | Sci-fi elements serving each genre | `Story Idea Generator - Sci Fi Module.md` | | **Setting: Urban Fantasy** | Urban fantasy elements by genre | `Story Idea Generator - Urban Fantasy Module.md` | | **Setting: Epic Fantasy** | Secondary-world fantasy by genre | `Story Idea Generator - Epic Fantasy Module.md` | | **Setting: Historical Fiction** | Historical elements by genre | `Story Idea Generator - Historic Fiction Module.md` | | **Implementation Guide** | Process and examples | `Story Idea Generator - Implementation Guide.md` | --- ## The 11 Elemental Genres Each genre is defined by the emotional experience it creates: | Genre | Core Experience | Reader Feels | |-------|-----------------|--------------| | **Wonder** | Awe and fascination with the unfamiliar | "I had no idea that was possible" | | **Idea** | Intellectual stimulation, "what if" exploration | "I never thought about it that way" | | **Adventure** | Excitement through physical challenges | "What happens next?" (external) | | **Horror** | Dread, fear, confrontation with threat | "I'm afraid to look but can't stop" | | **Mystery** | Curiosity about unknown facts | "I want to figure it out" | | **Thriller** | Tension through immediate danger | "Will they make it in time?" | | **Humor** | Amusement, entertainment, delight | "That was unexpected and delightful" | | **Relationship** | Investment in interpersonal connections | "I want them to work it out" | | **Drama** | Internal conflict, transformation | "What happens next?" (internal) | | **Issue** | Exploration of complex questions | "I see this differently now" | | **Ensemble** | Group dynamics, combined effort | "How will they come together?" | --- ## Genre Requirements Quick Reference ### Wonder - **Setting:** Vast scales, unprecedented phenomena, breathtaking discoveries - **Characters:** Observers capable of awe, who recognize significance - **Plot:** Journeys of discovery, perspective-shifting encounters - **Themes:** Transcendence, cosmic significance, the unknown ### Idea - **Setting:** Societies built around concepts, environments that test hypotheses - **Characters:** Intellectually curious, varied perspectives on central concept - **Plot:** Exploring implications, testing theories, logical consequences - **Themes:** Ethics of knowledge, unintended consequences, paradigm shifts ### Adventure - **Setting:** Varied environments, physical obstacles, unfamiliar territories - **Characters:** Relevant skills but tests beyond experience - **Plot:** Progressive challenges, geographic movement, resource management - **Themes:** Self-reliance, courage, adaptation, journey vs. destination ### Horror - **Setting:** Isolation, restricted movement, breakdown of normal, hidden threats - **Characters:** Vulnerabilities matching threats, something to lose - **Plot:** Escalating threat, diminishing safety, po