TIPS FOR ORIGINAL IDEA GENERATION

Here’s the harsh reality: No writer operates in isolation. Every piece of writing is shaped by prior works. True originality is a myth because all writing is situated within a framework. In a society that constantly clamors for the Next Big Thing, how can we as writers come to terms with the daunting fact that nothing is truly new? Here are some points to ponder as you seek your own distinctive ideas.

1) Write about what you are passionate about, not what the market claims it desires.

I once worked in the toy industry, and I was always amazed at how we had to forecast what children would ‘want’ not just now, but a year ahead. We could invest an entire year into developing a product only to find out that the trend had fizzled out by the time we launched. The same principle applies to writing. If you’re creating your project solely because a genre or topic is currently popular and you want to hop on the trend, you might end up feeling let down. However, if you’re writing this book because you are genuinely enthusiastic about the theme and the characters, then regardless of the outcome, it’s a win-win situation.

2) Don’t fear context; view it as a ‘safety net.’

In the realm of product development, companies often enjoy creating extensions of successful product lines. After all, a significant portion of the groundwork has already been laid in the initial version, customers are familiar with the brand, and there’s an existing market for it.

Consider the books that preceded yours as a similar ‘safety net’ for your work. Analyze both the successful titles and those that didn’t quite hit the mark, and reflect on what contributed to their success or failure. Think about how you can set your project apart from previous works while still operating within the established context.

3) Seek out your partners in crime.

One of my favorite activities is attending conferences. I enjoy connecting with fellow writers, enhancing my skills, and discovering fresh insights about the industry. In my opinion, you never know who you might encounter at these gatherings. It could be a new critique partner or beta reader, someone you might collaborate with in the future, a potential mentor, or even someone you could guide yourself. The important thing is to remain open to opportunities. These partners in crime can be incredibly valuable in transforming a vague, shapeless idea into a successful project.

Moreover, unlike other resources, ideas don’t get depleted when shared. In fact, they tend to multiply. When you share your idea with a friend and they reciprocate with their own, you both end up with two ideas. Additionally, the fusion of your two ideas might spark yet another idea altogether.