Story help?

[rainbowshy]

If this isn't allowed, I'll be happy to delete it.

Anyway, I'm writing a story that is inspired by the movie Frozen. It's basically about this autistic eighteen year old girl who is somewhat isolated from exploring the world around her. The only time she ever gets out is when her mom can't leave her at home. I'm in need of some ideas for this story right now. I don't want her to have any special powers or anything like that. D: 

I just need to have someone who can help me work through this plot and come up with some good ideas. I'm stumped and trying so hard to make this story work, but I don't know what else I can do.

Comments

[rainbowshy]

Eh... I'll just answer what I can? lol Basically, her autism is more of a mild to moderate form. It depends on her mood. For example, if she's having a bad day, her autism can become more severe for her (IE, causing intense meltdowns and sensory issues). Also, it doesn't actually take place in the frozen setting. I was more inspired by Elsa's character than anything. I haven't actually decided much in the setting, but I really like the idea of it being in New York City, especially right across from Central Park as well.

As for her father, I have actually been thinking of this. I think that after Fiona (her name) was diagnosed with autism, he took off and left her and her mother. I'll take some of those questions into consideration though. It's always harder for me to develop a very good plot at times.

[siofrabunnies]

I'm just trying to give you ideas to get your brain moving. I know how frustrating it can be to have an idea and nothing to do with it! Sorry, I do tend to get carried away. I didn't notice how wall-of-text-y it was until I posted the comment.

Like above, Person, Place, Problem. They all inform each other to an extent, so start with what you have and build on it. You have your person, you have a great idea for a place, now give her a problem to solve. New York's a wonderful setting for problems, since it's so huge and varied.

Maybe she's new in town (or the area) and is trying to make friends while dealing with her mom, deal with a job, whatever. Maybe she's trying to solve an external problem, like activism or the mean, nasty landlord. Maybe Fiona's trying to prove herself in a career, and has to fight against stigma from being a young, autistic girl.

Maybe Fiona is trying to find the father she never knew? You could get a lot of juice out of that. Like, her mother goes to work or whatever, and Fiona just runs away to find him (which could also involve her mom's POV searching for Fiona!). NYC is a great setting for runaways, too.

Maybe you could try a prompt generator to help you fill in the blank spots?

[rainbowshy]

I can't see her having much interest in her father. I feel as though she'd be smart enough to figure out that he doesn't want to see her or want her. I was hoping it could be more of a slice of life story where she tries to prove to people she's not a monster like they make her out to be or whatever.