Creative Writing 101: Do You Have a Winning Story Idea?

How do you know if you have a good story idea?  Is there a way to find out? Although there is no clear-cut formula, there are some questions you can ask yourself that can guide you in your quest.

1.       Am I passionate about the story?

Here you must determine your level of enthusiasm for your story.  Do you find yourself desperately wanting to get back to it when you are away from it?  Does it consume your thoughts to the point you have trouble keeping your mind on other things?  Don’t write a story set in ancient Rome if that period doesn’t excite or interest you.  Likewise, don’t try to write a western romance if you are passionate about science fiction. Don't lose your passion in your attempt to write something just because you think it will sell. 

2.       Does my story have a definite theme?

      You should be able to state your theme in one sentence.  The theme is what the reader remembers long after the details of the story are forgotten. Ask the question, "What did my character or characters learn from this story?" Think of your theme as a summary of the transformation your characters underwent in the course of your story.

     

                  3.   Is there a strong and compelling conflict that engages the emotions?

As I wrote in a previous blog, a good story begins with conflict.  Conflict is a critical element in getting your reader to care about your story.  Your readers will care when they become emotionally involved in your story. Also remember that conflict can be external or internal.  In the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker must battle stormtroopers and Darth Vader externally, while internally battling anger and the idea of Darth Vader being his father.

4.       Does my story have wide reader appeal?

One way to gain reader appeal is to make your characters relatable.  Readers like characters that share some of the same challenges and insecurities they face every day.  Part of giving your story reader appeal goes back to creating that emotional connection that hooks the reader. Does your character have flaws that readers can identify with?  Does your character have trouble with relationships?  Is your character’s home not so tidy?  This is one case where a flaw is a good  thing.

5.       What makes my story different from other ones of the same genre?

You would be surprised at how many writers think they have something original only to find out that something similar has already been written.  However, even similar stories can have different twists and angles. Read other stories in the same category as yours to discover how you can make yours unique. I will be writing in the future about finding your story's "plus factor."