Story ideas are always popping into our heads. But, we don’t always know if it’s a good idea.
Want to know how your idea for a story will be received? Potential readers will enlighten you if you ask the question right.
For example, I recently wanted to know if the old story about an ancient civilization having existed on earth millennia ago was still a good topic. I asked that wonderful Facebook group, “Science Fiction.” They have 57,000+ members. The group is a smorgasbord of the latest science fiction news, story-fodder and insights into what sci-fi readers love about their genre.
I asked, “If a civilization did exist millions of years ago, what would still be around to prove it?” Whoosh! Hundreds of responses over two days answered that question and buried me in ideas and insights. (My favorite answer was, “Twinkies.”)
This approach, of course, can be applied to any large group of whatever genre you write.
🙂 Advertisers are not the only ones who can mine social media.
Use the comments section here to share one or more of your own ideas?
I have this idea about a mercenary who uses technological means to carry out his/her contracts. And I’ve slowly been collecting “wild” ideas from various documentaries and shows like White Rabbit project, non fiction books, and facebook memes that send me down a google tunnel. It’s a pretty substantial list of ways and means, all of which are possible. LOL
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That has to be an interesting collection of ideas. I’d be tempted to write in a group of techies so my protagonist can use whatever tech best serves his current mission. Department Q?
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I can’t answer a question like that. I would have to say, give me a first chapter, so I see what you are going to do with your idea.
Imagine what the reaction would be if I said, I’m going to write a new version of Puss-in-Boots. It would be nothing but groans, I’m sure.
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The readers in the science fiction group are happy to chime in with an opinion on any subject 🙂 & their opinions sparkle with story ideas for writers.
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How do I know if I have a good story idea? It’s a good idea if it inspires me to keep working on it.
My Meyers-Briggs personality type of a strong I-I-I-I legislates against polling others on my ideas, or even caring what others say. It’s a heavy burden.
That’s not to say my way is the right way. Networking ideas will work for some. Just don’t let the bystanders change you too much.
Puss-in-Boots is a good story. Would I read a new version? I agree with Mimi, that first chapter would tell.
The ancient civilization idea is interesting. How you treat the idea is what matters.
Sometimes I write a good story with an appreciative audience of one, which is me.
I learned somewhere that to be read I had to write to an audience. Writing short fiction, creative non-fiction, and articles for magazines I found that I had to study the preferences of the gatekeeper/editor or I’d never get a chance. I’ve had good stories rejected by one magazine and then accepted by another.
Every week or so I’m reminded that I wrote a novel. I liked writing the story. It is a good story. I didn’t write it for anyone else, and one of these days it will be out there looking for an audience. Maybe it will find one, and maybe not. Thank goodness my Meyers-Briggs type allows me not to care too much about that.
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🙂 Meyers-Briggs personality type of a strong I-I-I-I ? 🙂
Love it!
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