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Aug 7, 2017 · Controlling Idea. Whereas thematic patterning can emerge subconsciously, a book’s controlling idea should be clearly understood by the author at the beginning of the drafting process. The controlling idea is, after all, why you are writing the book. It is the beating heart of your novel, the message of your story.
- Brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm. Brainstorming is something all writers should be doing. Whether you’re writing a short story or planning a novel, brainstorming is essential for exploring ideas, allowing them to morph into the bare bones of a proper story.
- Research for further inspiration. Once you’ve done some extensive brainstorming, it’s a good idea to move onto some old-fashioned research. Time to hit the internet/library/real world and go exploring!
- Refine and clarify your central idea. Throughout the brainstorming and research process, you’ll likely find your idea becoming naturally clearer and more refined in your mind.
- Focus on character goals and conflict. When turning an idea into a story, it always pays to focus on two failsafe areas: characters and conflict. These two aspects are at the heart of each and every successful story, so the earlier you tap into them, the better.
Jun 4, 2012 · Write a one-paragraph description of your idea. Read this to several trusted friends and ask for their reactions. If they love it, great. If they shake their heads, find out why. Make any changes you deem necessary. Write a short e-mail to yourself, as if you were a reader writing to a friend about what was so great about this book.
- Courtney Carpenter
- Start With the Six Elements of Fiction. The blank page can be overwhelming. As you consider the infinite possibilities of language, it’s easy to get so lost in the details that you lose sight of a clear idea.
- Start With a Story You Want to Read. Toni Morrison said it best: “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
- Modify a Story Idea That Already Exists. No, you can’t publish your version of The Great Gatsby where every character and detail is the same, except it’s set in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
- Start With a Creative Writing Prompt. Chances are, you’ve been told to use writing prompts, but not how to use writing prompts. The best way to write from a prompt is to freewrite from the story idea, then edit from there.
Jun 11, 2019 · The fourth thing you need to start your outline is your collection of inspiration. While your high-concept idea is the basis of your story, you’ll want some supplemental material to help you envision the world and characters your story will eventually feature. Fortunately, this isn’t too difficult to create, thanks to the internet!
Oct 9, 2023 · A good book idea is one that sparks curiosity, ignites your own emotions, and resonates with your target audience. It should be original, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering a fresh perspective or tackling an unexplored topic. That doesn’t mean that it has to be wholly original. While originality is an asset, a good book idea doesn't ...
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Jun 11, 2012 · Buy the book and: Develop your story line and characters; Practice description, setting, and dialogue with writing exercises; Cut, rework, and improve your story; Get a bonus guide for writing a novel in 12 weeks; Buy the Novelist's Boot Camp today!
