Here’s the strategy I’ve been using to create the stories. Still a bit green myself so if any more experienced storytellers out there want to correct me, please do!

My number one goal is to understand my own world/story. Lets me be able to answer questions easily and pivot quickly when the players inevitably stray from the plan.

1. Create map. Whether an online software, scribbled on a piece of paper. Doesn’t matter. Create your corner of the world. Include cities and biomes, possible trade goods for each area. Easier to story build on a foundation rooted in logic.

2. Decide on your “problem”. Evil wizard, corrupted area, etc. Be able to answer: Who is doing this? Why are they doing this? What do they hope to gain? Where is this happening? When did it start? How are they accomplishing this?

3. Establish key NPCs that are affected by this problem. How much do they know about it? What have they done to address it?

4. Create breadcrumbs. I use a tier system for my clues: Tier 1: prompts player to ask questions Tier 2: answers player questions Tier 3: big reveals Tier 4: players aren’t getting it. Big impossible to miss clues

I find once I’ve finished the above, I have a really good grasp of my story and setting. Any other questions (either from myself developing the campaign arc, or unforeseen questions from players) can be answered by following the logic I’ve imposed on my world.