The Writer's GPS: Concept Development for Storytelling

The Creative Writer's GPS: Concept Development for Storytelling

Let's talk about something every writer grapples with: crafting the perfect concept. It's like driving without a map or a GPS – you might end up lost in the wilderness of your own imagination.

Imagine this: You're driving down a winding road with no signs or landmarks to guide you. You're not sure where you're going or if you'll get there. The same feeling is evoked within a writer when there's no clear concept. In my professional opinion, that is the root of writers block. Concept development is your trusty GPS, your roadmap to narrative clarity. It's the roadmap that tells you where you're headed and how to get there.

So what exactly is concept development, and why is it so crucial? Your concept is the beating heart of your story, the engine that drives the plot forward. It's the answer to the question: "What is your story about?" However, it's more than just a summary – it's the essence of your story distilled into a single captivating idea.

Think about "Jurassic Park." The concept – a theme park populated by genetically engineered dinosaurs goes awry – is like a lightning bolt of inspiration. It grabs your attention and never lets go, sparking your imagination and leaving you on the edge of your seat.

But why does concept development matter? It's like building a house without a foundation – sure, it might look pretty, but it's not going to stand for long. A solid concept provides structure and coherence to your story, ensuring that it holds together from beginning to end. Plus, a strong concept is like a magnet for readers and viewers. It's your secret weapon in the battle for audience engagement.

And how do you develop a killer concept that grabs attention and refuses to let go? Start by tapping into your imagination. Let your mind wander and explore the endless possibilities. Draw inspiration from your own life experiences, passions, and interests.Then, distill your ideas into a clear and concise statement that captures the essence of your story. Imagine pitching your concept to a stranger – you have only a few seconds to hook them and reel them in. Make every word count.

Imagine you're at a cocktail party, and someone asks you what your latest project is about. You have about thirty seconds to capture their interest and leave them wanting more. That's where a well-crafted story premise comes in handy.

Here's a simple formula to help you craft a compelling story premise:

1. Introduce your protagonist: First introduce your main character. Who are they? What makes them tick?

2. Set the stage: Where does your story take place? What's the world like?

3. Establish the conflict: What challenge or obstacle does your protagonist face? What's at stake?

4. Hint at the journey: What does the protagonist need to do to overcome the conflict? What's the central goal or objective?

5. Add a twist or hook: What makes your story unique or intriguing? What sets it apart from similar tales?

Let's put this formula into action with an example:

Protagonist: Sarah, a shy teenager with a passion for robotics.

Setting: A small town where creativity is stifled, and conformity is the norm.

Conflict: When Sarah discovers a hidden workshop in her grandfather's attic, she stumbles upon plans for a groundbreaking invention that could change the world. But she soon learns that a ruthless corporation will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.

Journey: Determined to protect her grandfather's legacy and prove herself to the world, Sarah embarks on a daring quest to bring her invention to life and save her town from the clutches of corporate greed.

Twist/Hook: Little does Sarah know, her invention holds the key to unlocking a long-lost family secret that could change everything she thought she knew about herself and her place in the world.

This sets up the protagonist, establishes the conflict, hints at the journey ahead, and adds a twist to keep readers intrigued. It's concise, compelling, and leaves room for imagination to fill in the blanks. That is concept development for storytelling.

Remember, the story premise is like a trailer for your book or screenplay – it should grab the audience's attention and leave them eager to experience the full story. So take your time, craft it carefully, and watch as it becomes the cornerstone of your narrative success. I wish you the best. Until next time...

Happy storytelling!

Ashlee C.

Executive Producer & Screenwriter