Creative Storytelling Workflow

last-redoc-date: 2025-09-28

Storytelling Workflow

Type: Interactive Document Workflow Module: Creative Intelligence System (CIS)

Purpose

Crafts compelling narratives using proven story frameworks and techniques. Guides structured narrative development, applying appropriate story frameworks to create emotionally resonant and engaging stories for any purpose—brand narratives, user stories, change communications, or creative fiction.

Distinctive Features

• Framework Library: Comprehensive story frameworks in story-types.csv (Hero's Journey, Three-Act Structure, Story Brand, etc.)
• Emotional Psychology: Leverages deep understanding of universal human themes and emotional connection
• Platform Adaptation: Tailors narrative structure to medium and audience
• Whimsical Facilitation: Flowery, enrapturing communication style that embodies master storytelling

Usage

# Basic invocation
workflow storytelling

# With brand or project context
workflow storytelling --data /path/to/brand-info.md

Inputs

• story_purpose: Why the story is being told (persuade, educate, entertain, inspire)
• target_audience: Who will experience the narrative
• story_subject: What or whom the story is about
• platform_medium: Where the story will be told
• desired_impact: What audience should feel/think/do after

Outputs

File: {output_folder}/story-{date}.md

Structure:

• Story framework selection and rationale
• Character development and voice
• Narrative arc with tension and resolution
• Emotional beats and human truths
• Vivid sensory details and concrete moments
• Platform-specific adaptations
• Impact measurement approach

Workflow Components

• workflow.yaml - Configuration with story_frameworks CSV reference
• instructions.md - Narrative development facilitation guide
• template.md - Story output format
• story-types.csv - Narrative framework library

Workflow Instructions

Storytelling Workflow Instructions

Workflow

Check if context data was provided with workflow invocation

Wait for user response before proceeding. This context shapes the narrative approach.

story_purpose, target_audience, key_messages

Load story frameworks from {story_frameworks} CSV file Parse: story_type, name, description, key_elements, best_for

Based on the context from Step 1, present framework options:

Transformation Narratives:

1. Hero's Journey - Classic transformation arc with adventure and return
2. Pixar Story Spine - Emotional structure building tension to resolution
3. Customer Journey Story - Before/after transformation narrative
4. Challenge-Overcome Arc - Dramatic obstacle-to-victory structure

Strategic Narratives:

5. Brand Story - Values, mission, and unique positioning
6. Pitch Narrative - Persuasive problem-to-solution structure
7. Vision Narrative - Future-focused aspirational story
8. Origin Story - Foundational narrative of how it began

Specialized Narratives:

9. Data Storytelling - Transform insights into compelling narrative
10. Emotional Hooks - Craft powerful opening and touchpoints

Which framework best fits your purpose? (Enter 1-10, or ask for my recommendation)

story_type, framework_name

Based on selected framework, gather key story elements:

Reference key_elements from selected story_type in CSV Parse key_elements (pipe-separated) into individual components Guide user through each element with targeted questions

For Hero's Journey:

• Who/what is the hero of this story?
• What's their ordinary world before the adventure?
• What call to adventure disrupts their world?
• What trials/challenges do they face?
• How are they transformed by the journey?
• What wisdom do they bring back?

For Pixar Story Spine:

• Once upon a time, what was the situation?
• Every day, what was the routine?
• Until one day, what changed?
• Because of that, what happened next?
• And because of that? (continue chain)
• Until finally, how was it resolved?

For Brand Story:

• What was the origin spark for this brand?
• What core values drive every decision?
• How does this impact customers/users?
• What makes this different from alternatives?
• Where is this heading in the future?

For Pitch Narrative:

• What's the problem landscape you're addressing?
• What's your vision for the solution?
• What proof/traction validates this approach?
• What action do you want the audience to take?

For Data Storytelling:

• What context does the audience need?
• What's the key data revelation/insight?
• What patterns explain this insight?
• So what? Why does this matter?
• What actions should this insight drive?

story_beats, character_voice, conflict_tension, transformation

Stories stick when they resonate emotionally. Develop the emotional journey:

What emotion should the audience feel at the beginning? What emotional shift happens at the turning point? What emotion should they carry away at the end? Where are the emotional peaks (high tension/joy)? Where are the valleys (low points/struggle)?

Help them identify:

• Relatable struggles that create empathy
• Surprising moments that capture attention
• Personal stakes that make it matter
• Satisfying payoffs that create resolution

emotional_arc, emotional_touchpoints

The first moment determines if they keep reading/listening.

What surprising fact, question, or statement could open this story? What's the most intriguing part of this story to lead with?

A strong hook:

• Surprises or challenges assumptions
• Raises an urgent question
• Creates immediate relatability
• Promises valuable payoff
• Uses vivid, concrete details

opening_hook

Would you like to:

1. Draft the story yourself with my guidance
2. Have me write the first draft based on what we've discussed
3. Co-create it iteratively together

complete_story, core_narrative

Adapt the story for different contexts and lengths:

What channels or formats will you use this story in?

Based on response, create appropriate variations:

1. Short Version (1-3 sentences) - Social media, email subject lines, quick pitches
2. Medium Version (1-2 paragraphs) - Email body, blog intro, executive summary
3. Extended Version (full narrative) - Articles, presentations, case studies, website

short_version, medium_version, extended_version

Provide strategic guidance for story deployment:

Where and how will you use this story?

Consider:

• Best channels for this story type
• Audience-specific adaptations needed
• Tone/voice consistency with brand
• Visual or multimedia enhancements
• Testing and feedback approach

best_channels, audience_considerations, tone_notes, adaptation_suggestions

Polish and plan forward:

What parts of the story feel strongest? What areas could use more refinement? What's the key resolution or call to action for your story? Do you need additional story versions for other audiences/purposes? How will you test this story with your audience?

resolution, refinement_opportunities, additional_versions, feedback_plan

Compile all story components into the structured template:

1. Ensure all story versions are complete and polished
2. Format according to template structure
3. Include all strategic guidance and usage notes
4. Verify tone and voice consistency
5. Fill all template placeholders with actual content

Write final story document to {output_folder}/story-{{date}}.md Confirm completion with: "Story complete, {user_name}! Your narrative has been saved to {output_folder}/story-{{date}}.md"

agent_role, agent_name, user_name, date

Output Template

Story Output

Created: {{date}} Storyteller: {{agent_role}} {{agent_name}} Author: {{user_name}}

Story Information

Story Type: {{story_type}}

Framework Used: {{framework_name}}

Purpose: {{story_purpose}}

Target Audience: {{target_audience}}

Story Structure

Opening Hook

{{opening_hook}}

Core Narrative

{{core_narrative}}

Key Story Beats

{{story_beats}}

Emotional Arc

{{emotional_arc}}

Resolution/Call to Action

{{resolution}}

Complete Story

{{complete_story}}

Story Elements Analysis

Character/Voice

{{character_voice}}

Conflict/Tension

{{conflict_tension}}

Transformation/Change

{{transformation}}

Emotional Touchpoints

{{emotional_touchpoints}}

Key Messages

{{key_messages}}

Variations AND Adaptations

Short Version (Tweet/Social)

{{short_version}}

Medium Version (Email/Blog)

{{medium_version}}

Extended Version (Article/Presentation)

{{extended_version}}

Usage Guidelines

Best Channels

{{best_channels}}

Audience Considerations

{{audience_considerations}}

Tone AND Voice Notes

{{tone_notes}}

Adaptation Suggestions

{{adaptation_suggestions}}

Next Steps

Refinement Opportunities

{{refinement_opportunities}}

Additional Versions Needed

{{additional_versions}}

Testing/Feedback Plan

{{feedback_plan}}

Story crafted using the BMAD CIS storytelling framework