MARTINA on the Children's Publishing Blog wrote a brilliant post about growing great ideas.
I have a strict 250 words only rule on my blog, so this is the condensed version of her advice. I transferred it in to my Notebook.
Starting with an elevator pitch and logline is easier than crafting a pitch for a completed, 80,000 word novel.
The premise itself can be honed until it is as strong, and as unique, as possible.
They say great literature contains:
- Layers
- Depth
- Great characters
- Beautiful writing
- Universal appeal
- Connection
The premise needs:
· At least one fascinating character
· An interesting setting
· An inherent conflict
· An emotional appeal
· A universal or familiar idea
· An original twist
· A piece of coolness – the envy quotient
· A high-impact inciting incident
· High stakes
· A pithy title
"Hook" doesn’t make it onto that list.
If the premise hits one or two of the following "it" factors, so much the better:
· A topical or current subject or event.
· A controversial, sensational, or heretical topic or subject.
· An alternate view or explanation for a known person, event or potential event.
· A mythological connection.
· A primal fear.
Simple ;)
and a lot harder to define.
WOW!
Write the elevator pitch first is the best piece of advice I have learned about making the writing process easier.
WHICH ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL A NEW WRITER?
Interesting that you have a word count on your blog. How do you like working within a word count?
ReplyDeleteBack when I used to write non-fiction and interviews, I was always given word count and I tell ya ... I liked it.
Hi Ivy
ReplyDeleteI set the limit because life is too short to only write blog posts in the daylight hours ;)
I'm with you, keeping to a maximum word count has been useful - I have to be meagre with words and edit aggressively.
It is neat. When I did my column I was limited to 400 words and I learned a lot from those days.
ReplyDeleteHope it's sunny and nice by you today. Just goofing around today, on my end. Got a new FoodSaver and boy it is fun to have one again.
Happy Writing. Happy Editing.