How to write a story — together, one line at a time
There's no special talent required to write a story. There's a beginning, a middle and an end, and a person stubborn enough to finish it. Writing together makes finishing easier — every line you write is one line your group doesn't have to.
Start with one strong sentence
The first line is a promise. It tells everyone after you what kind of story this is — a quiet one, a dangerous one, a funny one. Don't pick the cleverest line you can write. Pick the one with the most consequences.
Take turns and trust the next writer
The point of a collaborative story is surprise. When it's your turn, don't try to control the next four lines. Add one line that makes the story more interesting to the person reading it after you.
Set a length
Stories without a finish line never finish. Eight lines, twenty lines, a hundred — agree on a target before you start. Storybored lets you set the target line count when you create the game.
Don't workshop mid-game
Resist the urge to delete your group's lines or argue with their choices. The story belongs to all of you. Save the editing for after the last line.
Make a souvenir
When the story is done, give it a cover. Pick a font, a palette, an illustration. The story isn't just words — it's a thing you and your friends made together. Keep it.
Write one together
Storybored is a turn-based story writing game for 2–4 players. Pick any line above, drop it as your opening, and pass the turn.
Start a story →