A Story with Two Equally Good Exits
Write a tiny branching story where curiosity leads to two different endings.
- 30–60 minutes
- No setup
- Easy to pause
- Seated friendly
- No cleanup
- Low effort
What you need
Keep the story small enough to fit on one page. Neither choice needs to be the correct one.
- paper
- pen
Make it
Keep the story small enough to fit on one page. Neither choice needs to be the correct one.
- 1
Write a three-sentence opening in which someone discovers something unexpected.
- 2
Offer two specific choices, such as opening a parcel or reading the note beneath it.
- 3
Write a short ending for each choice. Let each reveal a different detail about the discovery.
- 4
Read both paths and check that each makes sense from the opening.
- 5
Give the reader one final question to carry away, rather than adding more branches.
Short on energy? Make one choice with two one-sentence outcomes.
A good place to stop: An opening, two choices, and a one-sentence ending for each are enough.
Make it work for you: Dictate instead of handwriting if helpful. Plan with a simple fork-shaped diagram before writing.
Another route: Ask a willing reader which path they would take, without calling either one a win.