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WHERE TO FIND, VALIDATE AND DEVELOP WRITING IDEAS
Eureka!
Inspiration happens in one of three ways. Some develop character first and create a story from there (for a review of character driver stories – click here). For some it comes with a great story idea spurred on by some event or activity. On quick reflection the author finds true writing material potential. An idea can come anytime: sitting on the subway, taking a bath, bungee jumping, facing an execution squad, you name it. It is important to carry a notebook or scrap piece of paper and a pen with you anywhere you go. Inspiration truly hits when you least expect it to. Because spontaneous ideas erupt through from our subconscious mind, there is a valid threat that it can go back into the depths of the subconscious and ..yes forget it for all time. When an idea comes through make sure you pounce on the opportunity and take the time to describe it in as much detail as it was presented to you. Take very specific notes and write fast! Don’t stop to correct grammar mistakes!
Ninety-nine percent Perspiration
For others – inspiration draws from our need to write. For the vast number of successful writers coming up with ideas must be mentally crafted and drawn out. Taking the time to formulate ideas can (and should) be time consuming, but if done well should produce as equally unique and exciting ideas as the ones that just pop into our minds.
The technique for formulating ideas draws on two principles. The first principle is that all stories fall into one of twenty specific plots (see article on the twenty specific plots). Although some try to invent totally new plots – chances are they won’t be successful – or the work will not resonate with anyone in any meaningful way.
The first step to creating your idea is to decide what type (plot) of story you want to write.
After deciding the plot the next step is to draw inspiration from the world around you. You do this by consciously picking up newspapers, watching TV or simply going for long walks – with the intention of discovering potential material for your idea.
An example:
Consider the following. You are a writer looking for a good idea. You decide to do a “Recue Plot” story (see the twenty different types of story plots). After making this decision to decide to rummage through the local newspaper for inspiration. You find an article about a family that lost all their possessions in a fire. Then using a series of “what ifs” (see article about using what ifs), you decide to write about father who risks life and limb to venture into a West Coast forest fire to rescue his two teenaged sons who went off hiking in the area.
Validating the idea
When an idea first comes to us, the first validation step is to feel incredibly excited. If you don’t feel excited at all, it may be a good idea to write it down just the same. Sometimes bad story ideas have a way of morphing into something more exciting later on. Exciting ideas on the other hand spur on visions of your acceptance speech at the next Nebula or Hugo award. Perhaps you see your novel being adapted into a movie and you envision the sweeping category wins on Oscar night.
All this is good if the initial excitement draws energy into our project management task. In other words the initial excitement must act to move us to outlining our project. Sometimes an idea lingers in the fantasy world and rarely moves to the stages that require us to write it down. If you find yourself stuck in a loop of fantasy – force yourself to move ahead.
The next stage is something that requires or utmost discipline. After the initial excitement and consideration of a potential outline we must....put it away. This step allows us to emotionally separate ourselves from the material. It clears our head of the fantasy. It is important to write down a date (usually in one to two weeks later) and come to it again. Force yourself not to think about your project. Thinking about it kills this crucial step. For many the step is seen as potentially “killing the momentum” or delaying precious writing time. However, the time you lose for in this hibernation will if done right will payoff dividends in the future. What many fail to understand is that as you separate yourself consciously from your idea, your brain is still working on it unconsciously. What many writers find is that upon returning from this hibernation phase they actually find it a lot easier to produce an outline or to have a better vision where the story is heading.
If when you review your idea (on the date you select) you feel just as excited as you did initially – then you probably have a winner!
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