How to choose your premise and concept when writing your novel

When you write, you want every part of your story to fit seamlessly. As readers, we notice when that doesn’t happen. At the heart of this lies the pivotal decision of selecting a premise and concept that serves as the foundation for the novel.

A premise is a summary of our story, while the concept “is an idea that has been evolved to the point where a story becomes possible,” according to Larry Brooks.

But how do we, as writers, navigate this and find the perfect premise? That brings up another thought – is there a perfect premise?

Hmmm.

Let’s dive into choosing a premise and concept for your fiction novel. And then we’ll look at effective brainstorming techniques.

Choosing a premise and concept

1. Explore Your Passions and Interests: What inspires you? What topics, themes, or genres ignite your passion? Consider your own interests, hobbies, and experiences as sources of inspiration. If you truly love your subject, your writing will show it. That’s where we reach readers on a deeper level.
2. Look at Unique Perspectives: What unconventional perspectives or unexplored territories are within familiar genres? Challenge yourself to think outside the box. Maybe you’ll find fresh angles that offer a unique spin on traditional tropes. This might involve blending genres (a big thing right now) or reimagining historical events through a speculative lens.
3. Draw from Personal Experiences: Your life experiences can serve as inspiration for your novels. Think about how significant moments, challenges, or triumphs can be woven into the fabric of your story. Injecting personal elements into your fiction lends an authentic voice to your writing and fosters a deeper emotional connection with readers.
4. Conduct Research: Immerse yourself in research to unearth fascinating tidbits, historical events, or scientific phenomena that pique your curiosity. If it’s your thing, explore diverse cultures, time periods, and disciplines to uncover hidden gems to spark your imagination.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is so important for authors. Through it we can find new ideas and overcome writers block. By employing brainstorming techniques, authors can unlock their imagination and discover unique story elements to enrich their writing projects.

Set aside time for brainstorming sessions, allowing ideas to flow freely without judgment or self-censorship. Embrace the chaos of brainstorming, knowing that amidst the clutter, brilliance may emerge.

Effective brainstorming techniques

• freewriting – authors write continuously without concern for grammar or structure, allowing thoughts to flow freely.
• mind mapping – involves creating visual diagrams to explore and make connections between ideas.
• writing prompts – these could be actual writing prompts or things such as images, music, or quotes to inspire fresh concepts.
• collaborative brainstorming sessions – meeting with fellow writers can also spark creativity through diverse perspectives and shared inspiration.
• taking breaks – give your mind a rest! Engage in activities unrelated to writing to rejuvenate the mind and stimulate innovative thinking.

One more thing

Evaluate Viability and Market Appeal: While creativity should reign supreme during the brainstorming phase, it’s essential to balance your artistic vision and commercial viability. Consider the market appeal of your premise, evaluating its potential to captivate readers and stand out in a crowded literary landscape. If needed, conduct market research, analyze trends, and seek feedback from beta readers or writing groups to gauge interest and refine your concept accordingly.

So what do you think?

Choosing a premise and concept for your fiction novel is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey that requires equal parts introspection, exploration, and creativity.

By drawing inspiration from your passions, embracing unique perspectives, and employing effective brainstorming techniques, you can unearth a premise that captivates both your imagination and the hearts of your readers.

I encourage you to embark on this quest with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity and let your creativity soar as you breathe life into your next novel!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 38 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – releases Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)