What Makes a Good Novel Idea?
October 3rd 2010 17:50
How do you know your novel idea is a good one? How can you tell you're not going to waste your time? Check if the ABC for novel ideas applies:
Action: Stuff happens (some good, some bad), your characters make it happen or react to it and thus move the story forward.
Broad theme(s): Your themes are applicable to a wide range of readers, not just to your life. You have something to say on the human condition. (Don't worry if your themes are still a bit fuzzy, you'll see them clearer the more time you spend planning your novel.)
Character development: The events of the novel shape your characters and turn them into more experienced people.
Check for all three or at least two of them? That's a good sign. Finally, ask yourself the following question: Do you want to read the book you're about to write? It's important that your answer is an enthusiastic and unequivocal yes. Look at it this way: If you're not interested in your own novel idea, why should anybody else care?
Next weekend we'll have a look at creating credible characters. Until then, have fun with your NaNoWriMo idea.
Action: Stuff happens (some good, some bad), your characters make it happen or react to it and thus move the story forward.
Broad theme(s): Your themes are applicable to a wide range of readers, not just to your life. You have something to say on the human condition. (Don't worry if your themes are still a bit fuzzy, you'll see them clearer the more time you spend planning your novel.)
Character development: The events of the novel shape your characters and turn them into more experienced people.
Check for all three or at least two of them? That's a good sign. Finally, ask yourself the following question: Do you want to read the book you're about to write? It's important that your answer is an enthusiastic and unequivocal yes. Look at it this way: If you're not interested in your own novel idea, why should anybody else care?
Next weekend we'll have a look at creating credible characters. Until then, have fun with your NaNoWriMo idea.
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