BUILDING FROM A STRONG PREMISE

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 ;)

Lastly, the best-selling idea, your best-selling idea, has to make you care. It has to have elements you want to explore, characters you absolutely love, otherwise the heart will be missing from your writing. That's as important as concept, 
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?