One idea, a dozen different stories

[RG570]

I'm kind of at a loss here while I mull over the next novel I'm going to work on. Right now it's just a vague premise.

The trouble is, it could go so many ways. It could end up as a young adult novel. I could shove it into a science fiction setting. Or it could be a mainstream story.

I'm comfortable writing in any genre really, except romance. At this point the idea isn't formed enough to contain much in the way of plot, so I can't just start it and see what happens with it, and it's not giving me any clues as to what type of story it ought to be.

So now I have to wonder, maybe I should decide based on marketability? I know the common wisdom says don't write for a market, etc. But honestly, I'm so open to writing this story in different ways, I have no real preference for each possibility. At first I thought of it as a science fiction piece. But the same idea could work in a normal, present day situation. And in both instances, a slight shift in focus could make it young adult. Or it could be serious and focus on the adult characters.

What would you do? Would the mainstream version be easier to sell than the science fiction version? I'm thinking it would, though it might not be as fun, but I'm sure I could do it.

[Stijn Hommes]

I don't know where you got that "don't write for a market" wisdom, but it's not true. Often it's the best way to make a story fit well enough to sell.

If I were you, I'd write all three versions and decide which ones to revise later.

[Shane Fitzsimmons]

I think that "mainstream" automatically makes it more salable than a less "mainstream" one. I mean, the word "mainstream" basically means "what the most amount of people will buy."

That said, do you have any reason to believe that a science fiction story couldn't still be "serious" and focus on the "adult characters" of it?

In terms of answer, there isn't one. I can tell you this much: I seriously doubt this idea is for you. I mean, you might write it for a while, but whatever it is (and I have no idea), you just haven't convinced me that you give enough of a damn to make it worthwhile.

When an idea hits you, it should really grab you by the balls, and make you need to write it. I'm not saying that every decision should come easily to you, but I don't think you're going to be able to systematically point out the genre and start writing in it. I mean, it sounds like you're approaching this like you're picking out drapes. "What would you do?" Forget about what I'd do, what do you want to do? If you don't know, let the idea mature a bit in your head first.

[Siddow]

What would I do? I'd write out the premise as back-cover copy, in all the genres you're considering. One of them is sure to jump up and scream, "WRITE ME!!!"

[PeeDee]

I'd just let it sit. If you can wander with it like that, the idea hasn't grabbed you the ears and said "OY" quite yet. I'd let it be and work on something else until that idea clicks over and really grabs you in its own way.

[mscelina]

Don't worry about the market right now. Worry about getting the story on paper. When you have an idea of where it's going to go (and it WILL take you there) then you can think about other things.

[RG570]

I'd just let it sit. If you can wander with it like that, the idea hasn't grabbed you the ears and said "OY" quite yet. I'd let it be and work on something else until that idea clicks over and really grabs you in its own way.

Yeah, I guess. I mean it's not as if I'm not excited about this idea. I am. It's just that to me, regardless of what dressing you put on it, it's still essentially the same story. I tend to look at the big, big picture, I guess, and from that far away, it all looks the same.

Though, initially it was an SF idea; that's what grabbed me. Just that today I realized how it could work in many other contexts.

[mscelina]

then you're second-guessing yourself and that's never good.

STOP IT.

Go with your gut. Trust me. :D

[PeeDee]

Most stories can be made to work in a lot of different contexts. If it grabbed you as Sci-Fi, write it as Sci-Fi. I'm writing a Roman novel right now that I could alter into sci-fi, into modern-day, into a lot of other stories.

Sometimes, it's because the idea isn't strong enough for you to latch onto and write. Sometimes, though, it's just your muse wavering.

Still, pay attention. It might give you a similar but different storyline. You might wind up writing two thematically similar things from the wavering of the muse. :)

[maestrowork]

I'm in the same boat: I have a general premise but it could go many ways: action/adventure, thriller, SF, mainstream, etc. So right now I'm trying to outline all the alternatives and see which story seems more viable and exciting.

[JoNightshade]

I'm totally with you on the genre thing. Many of my stories could be set anywhere, any time. It's not a matter of being enthused or not, it's a matter of finding the right setting. Sometimes I make several false starts before I discover what genre a story really "wants" to be in.

But for a start, I'd suggest going with the one you'd like to write most. Whatever inspires you most, and will carry you through to the end.

You might also consider just sitting down to brainstorm a little about how each setting would impact and reflect on the story. What would a particular setting ADD to the story? You might find that one does a lot more than the others.

Also consider your audience. Who is this story going to reach? What genre do THOSE people usually read? :)

[Azraelsbane]

All of you people have Murakami syndrome. LoL. ;)

[maestrowork]

On the other hand, I kind of like the idea of write three different stories using the same premise... yeah, right, as if I don't have enough on my plate already. :)

[PeeDee]

On the other hand, I kind of like the idea of write three different stories using the same premise... yeah, right, as if I don't have enough on my plate already. :)

Go for it, it's fun. Stephen King does it. I had a story title that I kept trying to write a story for. I've written three stories under that title so far. I've sold two of them, changing the titles as I went.

[RG570]

Also consider your audience. Who is this story going to reach? What genre do THOSE people usually read? :)

Yeah, see that's kind of what I'm getting at. I'm not convinced that this type of story is one that SF fans really would be interested in. I think the subject matter, thematic statements, and so on would interest a more mainstream audience.

Having said that, I could have a blast with the SF version, I'm sure. But I also want to reach the people who want to read this story.

I think I'll have to go with the Maestro's tip. I can't believe I didn't think of that. It's so simple. And obvious.

[Cranky]

When an idea hits you, it should really grab you by the balls, and make you need to write it. I'm not saying that every decision should come easily to you, but I don't think you're going to be able to systematically point out the genre and start writing in it. I mean, it sounds like you're approaching this like you're picking out drapes. "What would you do?" Forget about what I'd do, what do you want to do? If you don't know, let the idea mature a bit in your head first.

Well, I don't have the same parts *snicker*, but I had exactly the same feeling about my new WIP. I was so excited by the idea, it felt like my heart was going to pound right out of my chest. The idea itself felt that great.

Plus, everything (well, almost) came to me in one fell swoop.

That's never ever happened before, but I ain't complaining! :)

[DeleyanLee]

So now I have to wonder, maybe I should decide based on marketability?

As others have mentioned, the answer to this is: NEVER.

When trying to decide what to do with a story idea, think about the spark that made you want to write this story in the first place. Look at the conflicts inherent in that spark--that's usually the best place to find what genre it needs to go into.

Each genre has its favorite conflicts, after all. Thrillers--Hero against forces set to destroy the government/culture/world. Mystery--Hero against murderer. Romance--Interpersonal conflict between Hero and Heroine. See what I mean?

Take your cue from the story itself. Sure, it can become anything you want it to be, but at the heart of the story it's likely to be only one that will totally make it unique and shiny. Just gotta find it.

Hope that helps.

[goatprincess]

What would I do? I'd write out the premise as back-cover copy, in all the genres you're considering. One of them is sure to jump up and scream, "WRITE ME!!!"
I second this suggestion. A similar approach helped me recently. It made me realize that my current WIP begged to be angled toward a particular market and it also helped me hone the central conflict.