#3: How to Decide Which Story Idea to Write Next

03/17/20 • 13 min

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In this episode, we're going to talk about how to choose between multiple story ideas, or how to decide which story idea to write next. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode:

[01:20] Two reasons why taking the time to flesh out your story ideas before you start writing a single word will save you time, energy, and frustration.
[02:15] 5 questions to help you decide between two or more story ideas.
[03:15] An example from a real-life writer who was torn between a "for fun" romance novel and a "more serious" memoir. "Which one should I choose?"
[06:15] What happens when your idea doesn't have enough "meat" to support a full-length novel (hint: it almost always has to do with a lack of conflict).
[07:30] What's the difference between a topic and an idea? And how do you determine whether you have a topic (aka part of an idea) or an actual story idea?
[08:50] If you have a topic, you can turn it into an idea that can support a full-length novel by asking yourself these key questions.
[10:00] What's next? Here's how identifying your genre can help you further flesh out your idea and understand your next steps.
[10:40] Key points and episode recap.

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Episode Freebie: How to Choose Which Story Idea to Write Next PDF

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👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

[01:20] Two reasons why taking the time to flesh out your story ideas before you start writing a single word will save you time, energy, and frustration.
[02:15] 5 questions to help you decide between two or more story ideas.
[03:15] An example from a real-life writer who was torn between a "for fun" romance novel and a "more serious" memoir. "Which one should I choose?"
[06:15] What happens when your idea doesn't have enough "meat" to support a full-length novel (hint: it almost always has to do with a lack of conflict).
[07:30] What's the difference between a topic and an idea? And how do you determine whether you have a topic (aka part of an idea) or an actual story idea?
[08:50] If you have a topic, you can turn it into an idea that can support a full-length novel by asking yourself these key questions.
[10:00] What's next? Here's how identifying your genre can help you further flesh out your idea and understand your next steps.
[10:40] Key points and episode recap.

Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode Freebie: How to Choose Which Story Idea to Write Next PDF

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Previous Episode

Introducing the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast!

Weekly writing tips from a developmental editor and book coach.
My name is Savannah Gilbo and I'm a fiction editor and book coach. Every day, I help people, just like you, write, edit, and publish their books.
I started this podcast because I want to prove that writing a novel doesn't have to be scary and overwhelming. Every week, I'll bring you a brand new episode with simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away.
So, whether you're brand new to writing, or a more seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you! So pick up a pen and let's get started!
For more writing tips, or to learn more about the show, head on over to https://www.savannahgilbo.com.

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👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Next Episode

#4: How to Identify Your Story's Ideal Reader

In this episode, we're going to talk about your story's ideal reader -- or the one person who is going to love your book just as much as you do. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode:

[01:00] What is an ideal reader? And why does your ideal reader matter?
[02:20] How understanding your ideal reader can help you write with purpose and edit with focus.
[03:15] How understanding your ideal reader can help you when it comes time to pitch agents and market your book.
[04:45] Meet my ideal reader, Sage, and hear how she helps me cut through the noise and stay focused
[06:45] How one writer's ideal reader helped her get back on track after making big changes in her manuscript
[09:20] 10 questions to help you identify your story's ideal reader
[12:45] What about everyone else? What if I want my story to appeal to everyone?
[14:15] Should each of my stories have a different ideal reader? Or would all my stories share the same ideal reader?
[15:25] Key points and a recap of the episode.

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