I recently completed a contemporary thriller inspired by an anonymous story from Chinese folklore. This tale, featuring a peasant’s desperate escape from assault and a chilling twist of mistaken identity, planted the seed for my narrative. Every project starts with an idea that captivates my imagination and lingers for weeks, shaping the core theme, a distinct image, or an irresistible character. Outlining and Research Initial Hook: The narrative began with a compelling plot hook, which served as the foundation for the story.