A Legendary Story Process: The Simple Framework for Meaningful Family Storytelling
Here we take a brief look at The Legendary Connection’s “Stories Worth Telling Framework”.
The framework is described in greater detail, with a wealth of examples, in our book,
Creating Stories Worth Telling Your Kids.
There are countless ways to tell a story, and each storyteller has their own unique process. Some storytellers use different analogies to describe their approach, but at The Legendary Connection, we view storytelling as a fire - something that brings warmth, light, and lasting impact. This image evokes the campfires, hearths, and bedtime candlelight where countless stories have been shared throughout history. More importantly, it highlights the power of storytelling to ignite imagination, strengthen connections, and pass down traditions.
To help families create (or select) the stories they want to tell, we use a simple three-part framework: The Spark, The Fuel, and The Structure. These three elements form the foundation of our Stories Worth Telling framework and guide families in crafting meaningful and engaging narratives.
Before you light a fire, you need to gather the materials that you plan to set ablaze and assemble them into a basic structure. You also need a spark to get that fire going. The same is true in telling stories.
The Spark: Finding Your Story’s Inspiration
The Spark is the essential inspiration that sets a story in motion. It is the core idea that excites the storyteller and shapes the type of narrative they will tell. Without a spark, there is no fire - just as without inspiration, there is no story.
In many cases, the Spark is also one of the key story elements, such as character, setting, conflict, or plot. This foundational idea helps determine the direction of the story and keeps the storyteller engaged. The Spark can come from virtually anywhere:
Everyday moments—A funny incident, a child’s question, or a memorable event.
Inanimate objects—A favorite toy, a drawing, or an unusual rock found on a walk.
Existing stories—Folktales, family history, or a scene from a beloved book or cartoon.
The beauty of the Spark is that it is unique to the storyteller. By identifying an inspiring starting point, families can build stories that feel both organic and meaningful.
Many of the resources that we provide at The Legendary Connection are story prompts and summaries in our Stories Worth Telling and Tales Worth Telling Collections.
We want to give you ideas of places to pull from and build a narrative so that your story time with the children you love is as stress-free as possible… Find all of them on The Legendary Connection Store.
The Fuel: Gathering the Story’s Elements
Once you have a Spark, you need Fuel—the additional story elements that bring the narrative to life. Just as fire needs wood to keep burning, a story needs these key ingredients to grow and evolve. They include:
Character—Who is the story about? This can be a child, an animal, a mythical creature, or even an everyday object that comes to life.
Setting—Where does the story take place? It can be real (a family’s backyard) or imaginary (a kingdom in the clouds).
Plot—What happens? This sequence of events keeps the listener engaged and drives the story forward.
Conflict (Optional)—What challenge does the character face? While not always necessary, conflict adds depth and excitement.
By mixing and matching these elements, families can create an endless variety of unique stories. Story fuel can come from real-life experiences, borrowed ideas from existing tales, or pure imagination.
The Structure: Building a Compelling Narrative
Even young children recognize the natural structure of stories, which follow familiar patterns. Understanding The Structure helps storytellers organize their ideas into a cohesive and engaging format.
At The Legendary Connection, we use a four-part storytelling structure:
Introduction—Introduce the characters, setting, and initial situation.
Catalyst—Introduce a challenge, question, or event that propels the story forward.
Action—Describe how the character reacts, problem-solves, or experiences adventure.
Conclusion—Wrap up the story with a resolution, lesson, or memorable takeaway.
This predictable sequence makes storytelling easier for the teller while providing a satisfying experience for the listener. It ensures that stories flow naturally and keeps both children and adults engaged.
Bringing It All Together: The Stories Worth Telling Template
At The Legendary Connection, we bring The Spark, The Fuel, and The Structure together in our Stories Worth Telling Template. This tool helps storytellers organize their thoughts—whether they are creating original stories or adapting existing ones.
For a deeper dive into using this framework across different types of stories, check out our book, Creating Stories Worth Telling Your Kids. With this guide, families can turn everyday moments into memorable stories that inspire, entertain, and connect generations.
So next time you gather around the dinner table, tuck in for bedtime, or take a family walk, remember: every story starts with a spark - where will yours take you?
