You have a brilliant idea for a book and are sure that publishers and Hollywood producers alike will LOVE it!  Now what?

Every time I mention that I’ve been writing novels for years (no, I’m not published…yet) the recipient of this comment inevitably says “I have the greatest idea for a book.”  Since I mainly write for children, this phrase usually goes something like “I have a great idea for a kids book” or “I’ve had this children’s book I’ve been wanting to write for years…it’s about my dog.”

I’m sure that every one of these individuals has a great idea that could potentially become the next best seller, except very few of these individuals actually takes the time to sit and write the story.  And I think that’s where they run into a problem:  the story.  Most people have a great idea, but not necessarily a solid story.

And, trust me on this, publishers and producers alike want good stories.  They want compelling characters, too, but, more importantly, they want a good story.

So what is a good story?  I’ve read a lot of stories in both book and screenplay formats and some of them were good and some fell a bit short.  Good stories start with a hero or heroine who either chooses to take a journey or somehow falls into the journey. This could be a literal journey or one that’s taken spiritually or emotionally.

So your hero begins this journey and at some point can’t turn back (many call this point of the story “the point of no return”).  He or she then goes on to confront more challenges and problems eventually coming to a major conflict.  At this point your hero makes an ultimate decision to change and challenge his environment (or himself) and coming out a different person on the other side.  Story ends.

The best model I’ve found for stories is with Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”.  There are variations on this but they all say pretty much the same thing:  Every hero needs a journey.

And, from my experience, some people have compelling characters but fail to make a good story.  Strong characters are created through conflict and the greater the conflict, the richer the character becomes.  Remember, true nature and determination can only be exposed through deep conflict. 

So you have a good idea for a story.  Is it about your dog?  Dogs can make great characters, but you have to put them in a story.  Give your dog conflicts, make him change and become a better (or worse) dog.  Make him more appreciative, or more mischievous.  But, above all else, give your character a great story. 

Storytelling takes practice.   Most of the authors I’ve met practice writing every day.   If you want to be the next best-selling author, I suggest practicing the craft.  It takes time to develop your own voice and style on paper.  Words and letters don’t change, but the way that you, as an individual, manipulate these tools on paper creates a unique voice.  Perfect that. 

Keep in mind, too, that no great idea is going anywhere unless you write it.  If you have a bestseller in your head, then write it!  I’ve run into so many people who say they have a great idea for a screenplay or novel but they haven’t even written down the idea, let alone the book! 

Writing novels is a daunting, scary task, but it’s also fun and rewarding.  Create your characters and see where they take you.  You may find yourself reading your favorite novel as you write it.