Guide to identifying your story idea and focus statement

When putting together your story idea and focus statement we want you to:

Write down the main CHARACTER(S) in your story. In your case these people will be real people not made up. Then, for this character (or characters), write down:


 * what was the PROBLEM
 * what was the GOAL (relative to the problem)
 * what was at STAKE (be specific and descriptive)
 * what (or who) were the OBSTACLES getting in the way.
 * what were the ACTIONS that overcame these obstacles to realize the goal
 * why is this an INNOVATION

Then, write the FOCUS STATEMENT for your story.

The table below uses the “farmer innovation story” to fill in the different categories.