Hey Jonathan, ever wondered how to turn a wild idea into a polished story? I like to map it out—characters, beats, timeline—step by step. Care to see how I do it?

Sure thing. 1. Pick the core idea—one spark that sticks. 2. Write a one‑sentence hook. 3. Draft a three‑act structure: set‑up, conflict, resolution. 4. List main characters and their goals. 5. Map key beats: inciting incident, first turning point, midpoint, second turning point, climax. 6. Fill in scenes that move those beats, noting tone and stakes. 7. Add a rough timeline to keep pacing steady. 8. Review for gaps or loose ends, then tighten. That’s the skeleton; the flesh comes in revisions. Want me to sketch yours?

A retired detective wakes up with a memory of a crime he never solved, and the only clue lies in his own forgotten dreams.