What Makes a Good Story Idea? | 5 qualities of a strong concept

Summary

In this video, Shaylin discusses the importance of a strong story idea, arguing that while execution is crucial, the foundation of a story—its concept—also plays a significant role. She explains how a good idea should be original, inherently conflict-driven, and logical. Shaylin also highlights the need for a story engine that propels the narrative forward, emphasizing that a story must have depth and purpose, not just a situation. Finally, she shares a personal example of how a flawed idea led to a complete rewrite, demonstrating the importance of a sound concept from the start.

Takeaways

• 😀 A good story idea is important because it serves as the foundation for the entire story, even though execution is also crucial.
• 😀 Originality is key in a story idea, even if it's not a completely groundbreaking concept. The idea should have a unique twist or element.
• 😀 Inherent conflict and tension are essential to a good story idea, as they provide the driving force for the plot and character development.
• 😀 A strong idea should have a built-in story engine, something that propels the plot forward and keeps the audience engaged over time.
• 😀 A good story idea needs to evolve from a situation to a full narrative arc, with characters having goals, challenges, and growth.
• 😀 The idea must be logically consistent. If the concept has fundamental plot holes or inconsistencies, it can be difficult to execute.
• 😀 A concept that lacks conflict or tension can lead to a story without purpose or direction, making it harder to build a compelling narrative.
• 😀 Even familiar tropes can work, as long as there is something original about how they're presented within the idea.
• 😀 A story idea should not just focus on what's happening but also explore themes, character development, and progression.
• 😀 Flawed ideas with foundational issues can be difficult to fix, and sometimes it's easier to start fresh rather than undoing everything built on a flawed concept.
• 😀 While every story may have already been told, a good story idea stands out because of how it approaches familiar themes or genres in a new and fresh way.

Q & A

Why does Shaylin believe ideas matter when writing a book?

Shaylin argues that while execution is crucial, a good idea is foundational to a story. A flawed concept can lead to problems in character development, world-building, and overall plot, which execution alone cannot fix.

What does Shaylin mean by 'ideas happen in layers'?

Shaylin explains that a story idea starts with a basic concept and builds upon it with layers, including details about characters, setting, and conflict. The more specific these layers become, the more detailed the story becomes.

What are some of the challenges of writing a story with a bad foundational idea?

A bad foundational idea makes it difficult to fix the story, as any major changes to the core concept would require reworking the entire story. This can feel overwhelming and may lead to abandoning the project.

What is Shaylin’s view on originality in a story idea?

Shaylin believes that a good story idea should have an original aspect, even if it’s based on familiar tropes. This originality helps make the story feel fresh and engaging from the start.

Why does Shaylin think conflict and tension are essential in a story?

Conflict and tension are necessary for a story to move forward and to keep the audience engaged. Without these elements, a story can feel stagnant or unimportant, as there is nothing at stake for the characters.

What is a 'story engine,' and why is it important?

A story engine is the underlying concept that drives the plot forward. It's the element that ensures continuous development and movement throughout the story, such as a central conflict or a recurring theme.

How does Shaylin differentiate between a 'situation' and a 'story'?

A 'situation' is just a set of events or circumstances without character development, goals, or narrative progression. A 'story' includes change, character arcs, and thematic exploration, which gives it a sense of movement and purpose.

Why does Shaylin think that some story ideas are inherently flawed?

Shaylin highlights that some ideas contain logical flaws or inconsistencies that make them difficult to execute effectively. These flaws can hinder the story’s believability and make it hard to engage the audience.

Can a story succeed if it doesn't follow all the qualities Shaylin mentions for a good idea?

While execution can still salvage a story, Shaylin believes that stories without the foundational qualities she discusses—originality, conflict, a story engine, narrative arc, and logical consistency—will struggle to be engaging or successful.

How did Shaylin address the logical flaw in her dystopian novel when she rewrote it?

Shaylin stripped back the world-building and reduced the level of technology in her dystopian novel. By making the setting more medieval and realistic, she fixed the logical inconsistency that made the original concept impossible to execute.