# One-Line to Story Workflow

This is the main engine of the project.

Use this file when the user gives a simple one-line idea and wants a complete short storybook output.

## Goal

Take a one-line prompt such as:

- “A grumpy cloud opens a sandwich shop.”
- “A dragon lives in the washing basket.”
- “A moon in gumboots will not go to bed.”

Then turn it into:
- a title
- a story hook
- a short illustrated storybook draft
- spread breaks
- illustration prompts
- optional recurring-series notes

## Step 1 — Identify the core engine

From the one-liner, identify:
- the main character
- the main problem
- the tone
- the likely emotional payoff
- the strongest visual motif

Example:

**One-liner:** A dragon lives in the washing basket but only eats missing socks.  
**Core engine:** domestic nonsense creature + missing items mystery + messy household comedy + acceptance/payoff

## Step 2 — Choose the best story shape

Pick one:
- repeating attempts
- journey
- collection
- misunderstanding
- odd-job / task
- one-day chaos story

## Step 3 — Decide the emotional core

Choose one clear emotional thread:
- wants a friend
- wants to belong
- wants to prove something
- fears being wrong
- learns patience
- discovers a talent
- stops hiding
- accepts help

## Step 4 — Build a compact spread plan

Default:
- 10–14 spreads
- each spread has one main beat
- at least 8 strong illustration moments

## Step 5 — Add a repeated line

Create a refrain, repeated structure, or recurring line if it helps the book.

Examples:
- “But that was not the oddest thing.”
- “No, no, no. Not yet.”
- “Still, the moon marched on.”
- “And every sock went SLURP.”

## Step 6 — Draft the story

Write:
- short enough to read aloud comfortably
- vivid enough to inspire illustration
- simple enough to follow easily
- musical enough to sound alive

## Step 7 — Generate image prompts

Create:
- cover prompt
- spread prompts
- optional character sheet prompt

## Step 8 — Optional recurring-world extension

If the story feels series-capable, add:
- recurring character note
- recurring location note
- sequel mini-hook
- repeated visual motif

## Default output package

When the user gives a one-liner, the default best response is:

### 1. Title options
Give 3–5 title options.

### 2. Chosen story direction
State the best version briefly.

### 3. Storybook draft
Write the full short story with spread breaks.

### 4. Illustration prompts
Give a cover prompt plus spread prompts.

### 5. Optional sequel / series seed
Only if it feels natural.

## Strong one-liner expansion questions to answer internally

- What is funny here?
- What is the child-readable conflict?
- What picture would sell this book instantly?
- What repeated phrase could make this feel performable?
- What feeling should the child leave with?

## Best default output formats

### Format A — Full storybook package
Best default.

### Format B — Outline first, story second
Useful when testing many one-liners.

### Format C — Story only
Useful when speed matters.

### Format D — Story + images only
Useful when the visual side is the main goal.

## Example workflow prompt

**Prompt:**  
Take this one-line idea and turn it into a short illustrated picture-book package.  
Give me:
1. 5 title options  
2. the best chosen direction  
3. a 10–14 spread story draft  
4. a repeated refrain if useful  
5. a cover prompt  
6. one illustration prompt per spread  

Idea: **[insert one-liner]**

## Compression rule

Do not inflate a tiny premise into a lecture.
If the one-line idea is small, let the book be small and sharp.
Tiny premise. Proper payoff. Done.

## Practical motto

**Find the heart, find the picture, then write the bounce.**