Creating Your First Project

Category: Getting Started Read Time: 6 minutes

Your First Fiction Project in EpicWrite

This guide walks you through creating your first project and writing your first scene by talking with Brinley, your AI writing partner.

Step 1: Create Your Project (1 minute)

Click the "New Project" button on your Dashboard
Tell Brinley what you want to create:
- "I want to write a fantasy novel called 'The Crystal Kingdoms'"
- "Create a sci-fi screenplay about time travel"
- "Start a mystery series set in Victorian London"

Brinley will set up your project and ask follow-up questions like target word count and specific genre details.

Step 2: Add Your Main Character (2 minutes)

Instead of clicking buttons and filling forms, just talk to Brinley:

You: "Create a character named Elena Stormborn. She's a 24-year-old warrior princess who's brave but impulsive. She lost her family in a fire when she was young, which makes her reckless in battle."

Brinley: "I've created Elena Stormborn as your protagonist. I've noted her age (24), personality traits (brave, impulsive), and backstory (lost family in fire). Should I add any specific relationships or goals for her?"

You: "She wants to reclaim her throne from the usurper who killed her parents."

Brinley: "Added that goal. Elena is now in your character list with all these details."

What just happened? EpicWrite now remembers everything about Elena. You can reference her anytime, and Brinley will recall her traits, backstory, and goals.

Step 3: Add Your First Location (1 minute)

Tell Brinley about important places in your story:

You: "Create a location called The Silver Citadel. It's a massive fortress city built on a mountain, known for its legendary library and impenetrable walls."

Brinley: "The Silver Citadel is now in your world. I've marked it as a significant location. Want to add any history or cultural details?"

Simple as that. No forms, no clicking through menus.

Step 4: Define World Rules (Optional - 2 minutes)

For fantasy or sci-fi, tell Brinley the rules of your universe:

You: "In this world, fire mages can only cast 3 spells per day before they're exhausted."

Brinley: "I've added that as a magic system rule. I'll remind you if you ever write a scene where someone breaks this rule."

You: "Also, the throne passes to the eldest child regardless of gender."

Brinley: "Noted as a cultural rule for royal succession."

Brinley will catch contradictions before your readers do.

Step 5: Write Your First Scene (5 minutes)

Open the Studio and start a conversation:

You: "I want to write the opening scene. Elena is approaching the Silver Citadel for the first time in ten years."

Brinley: "Great choice for an opening. Based on her backstory (lost family, wants revenge), this could be very emotional. Should this be tense, nostalgic, or both?"

You: "Both. She's nervous but determined."

Brinley: "Perfect. Here's what I remember about the Citadel: massive fortress, mountain location, famous library, impenetrable walls. What's the weather like when she arrives?"

You: "Stormy. Thunder and lightning."

You start writing in the editor. Brinley is always available if you get stuck:

You: "What should Elena notice first when she sees the Citadel?"

Brinley: "Given the storm and her emotional state, maybe the walls - they represent both protection (what she lost) and barriers (what keeps her from her goal). Or the lightning illuminating the towers could trigger a childhood memory."

You write naturally, asking questions when you need help. No switching between tabs or searching old notes.

Step 6: See What Brinley Remembers

Try asking Brinley:

"What was Elena's age again?"
"Describe the Silver Citadel for me"
"What's the magic system rule I set?"
"How many words have I written today?"

Brinley remembers everything. You just create.

What You've Learned

In 10-15 minutes, you've:

✅ Created a fiction project through conversation ✅ Added your first character by describing them naturally ✅ Built a location without filling forms ✅ Set world rules that Brinley will enforce ✅ Written your first scene with AI assistance ✅ Experienced how EpicWrite remembers everything

How This Is Different

Other Writing Tools:

Click "Add Character" button
Fill out 20 form fields
Save and close
Click "Add Location" button
Repeat

EpicWrite:

Talk to Brinley
Describe what you're creating
Keep writing

It's conversational, not procedural.

Next Steps

Keep Building:

"Brinley, add a rival character for Elena"
"Create a magical forest where Elena trains"
"Add more world rules for the magic system"

Keep Writing:

"What should happen in the next scene?"
"Help me plan the first three chapters"
"Does this scene contradict anything I wrote earlier?"

Track Progress:

"How many words have I written?"
"Show me all the characters I've created"
"What plot threads do I have open?"

Common Questions

Q: Do I have to describe everything in detail right away? A: No! Start with basics. "Create a villain named Kael" is enough. Add details as your story develops.

Q: Can I change character details later? A: Yes! Just tell Brinley: "Actually, make Elena 26, not 24." Brinley will update everything.

Q: What if I prefer clicking buttons? A: The Studio interface has traditional menus too. Use whatever feels natural.

Q: Will Brinley write my story for me? A: No. Brinley helps you write YOUR story. Brinley suggests, reminds, and assists — but you're the author.

Next Article: What are Atomic Writing Elements?

Last Updated: February 2026 | EpicWrite v2.0