How to Write a Strong Story Concept (Reverse Book Blurb Exercise)
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- A story concept is the general idea of what a story will be about in terms of the plot, characters, and setting. As a writing exercise, you can capture your story concept in a “blurb”-a short summary that’s written in a way as to entice readers. Writing a blurb BEFORE you even begin drafting the manuscript can help you focus your ideas and see if the story is worth writing.
In this video, I use the evolution of my story concept for WISH HUNTER, an adult urban fantasy novel, as an example. I collaborated with authors Hero Bowen and Jordan Riley Swan to bring this story to life.
The different drafts of my blurb are on my Ko-fi page: ko-fi.com/post/Behind-the-Sce...
You can read a text version of this video on Medium: / how-to-write-a-strong-...
Buy WISH HUNTER on Amazon via my affiliate link: amzn.to/3ih2Lgi
Add WISH HUNTER to your Want-to-Read list on Goodreads: / wish-hunter
Story Garden Publishing UA-cam channel: / @storygardenpublishing
Jordan Riley Swan’s website: www.jordanrileyswan.com
Love my channel? Treat me to a cup of coffee at ko-fi.com/quotidianwriter.
My Published Stories and Poems: www.quotidianwriter.com/my-wr...
Twitter: / quotidianwriter
Opening Animation by Vitor A. Dupont: www.behance.net/vitordupont
Title and End Music: “Clockwork” by Vindsvept - • Fantasy Music - Vindsv...
Background Music by Vindsvept:
+ “Forgotten Forest”
+ “Light the Bonfire”
+ “Hideaway”
+ “Through the Woods We Ran”
+ “Alone”
SOURCES
Mike Chen’s query letter for HERE AND NOW AND THEN: www.ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2...
Mike Chen’s blurb for HERE AND NOW AND THEN:
/ here-and-now-and-then
Back Cover Blurb vs. Query Letter: thinkingthroughourfingers.com...
Introduction (0:00)
Pitch List (2:57)
Test Drive (4:58)
Redesign (8:41)
Final Thoughts (12:32)
"So, you have a book blurb for me?"
"Yes, sir, I do!"
This comment is TIGHT!
Wow wowowowoww
Whoops!
Whoopsie!
I think what really separates your videos from the rest of the ‘how-to-write’ bunch is your ability to teach in a style that emulates prose so elegantly.
Not only am I learning useful tips, tools, and perspectives, but I’m also hearing your rhythms and losing myself in your images. You manage to walk the walk in your talk, pulling me into a semi-conscious state, how I feel when I’ve lost myself in a flow. By the end of each video you’ve not just inspired me to sit down to write, but you’ve hypnotized me into a state of mind that allows me to actually get something of worth onto the page. I thank you for every video!
I was about to write similar praise, but you said it so perfectly so I’ll just add my agreement to your words.
My favorite method for creating better ideas is to always dig deeper. Take every concept you have and ask, “how could this be more interesting? What is the most obvious way this could work, and how can I subvert that?”
Come up with a list of ideas. 10 ways you could put a twist the story. Most of them you probably won’t want to write, but eventually, you’ll find one that is far more interesting than the first idea.
I’ve found that the more you do this, the more interest it sparks in people hearing you pitch it. You know you’ve done something right when someone is talking about the interesting ramifications behind a world-building element you came up with.
Your Wish Hunters example perfectly demonstrates this!
I know this is an old comment but this is so true to my experience! My initial idea I thought was really good, but then I realised that there were ways to subvert it that would make it more interesting. For a while, I felt stuck to the original idea but I'm so glad I changed it, as currently, I have a family member reading it and I asked him 'how do you expect this to pan out?' and what he said was very close to my original idea, not every little detail but the general vibe. So I felt really glad then that I'd subverted it, as it's more of a surprise and I think that subverted versions of stories are often the ones that stay with readers. That's not to say going a more classic route is bad, esp if you tell it in a way that's unique etc ... but you know, it's always cool to put more of a spin on something.
I'm pretty young, sometimes is really easy for me to get lost with so many goals and not that many time, but your videos help me a lot! Your editing is the best, I'm kinda in love with your channel. Hope you're doing good, be proud of what you're building here
Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching my videos! :D
Falling short of you reaching through my phone and slapping me in my face, nothing gets me out of a writing rut like Diane’s direction. Thank you so much for your insight.
Every time you upload is like Christmas
FACTS
I love that your husband was honest about the blurb instead of telling you what felt good to hear. So hard to find that in people close to you!
This is my favourite exercise. I have an ideas folder with pitches and blurbs. If I feel I am ready to delve into the project, I would flesh out the characters, then depending on my mood, I would write a first chapter and then start plotting bits or carry on writing. I would sometimes rewrite the first chapter a few times to get the right voice then I dive in!
Your videos are like Red Bull for writing.
You really are my role model.....
I hope that one day, I can also encourage aspiring writers like you do.
I feel like I've been saved from a big whirlpool of anxiety. Literally, this video's got everything I wanted to pitch forward the story I've been planning a long time, and deliberately failing to complete. I can feel my confidence regaining to it's positions and I think I'm ready to revamp and complete my story concept. All thanks to you Diane, for your wonderful writing tips! You are a real saviour! 💗
This channel is beyond information. It's art. One of my very favorite UA-camrs.
That moment when I'm re-watching your old videos and Pam!!! A new video come out. . . Pure magic!!!
yoo, i needed this :O
The music, the advice, the way you use examples, and cake. I love this channel so much. I'm taking up hobby writing and I have absolutely loved these videos.
Always love to see your comments! Thank you so much. :)
Seeing the cover for Wish Hunter just made me sooooo stoked for you!!!! Great video ❤️❤️❤️
DRYDEEEEN!!! Thank you so much! Please get your book published right now! 😂
@@QuotidianWriter I need tooo but I'm currently changing jobs-we've gotta catch up soon!!
You deserve a million subscribers.
One of the best writing guides ever.
I’ve learned more from your channel in one month than almost a year of watching writing vids. Thank you for this very well thought out content.
As you say, "I'll read that book!" And I'm off to find it ASAP. Love your videos and now I'm looking forward to loving your book. And thanks so much for all I've learned from you. Simply fabulous.
Thank you so much, Sybil! I truly appreciate your support of my work! :)
A year ago I blitz read through Save the Cat Writes a Novel. It was o sale ahead of Camp for Father’s Day. Last weekend I was able to get the deluxe 4th Edition of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. It’s fascinating seeing how my creative side goes full Arnold Horshack (ooo OOO pick me PICK MEEE) when I’m brainstorming (good old divergent thinking) stories. With enough TLC & training there are opportunities to let the creative brain play with taking ideas into converging compositions (the gestalt in her 5 perception questions for saturation).
so psyched abt wish hunter!!! haven't come across something so intriguing in ages!
The music, the voice and the information.... your videos are the best on UA-cam when it comes to writing.
Even as a reader only, it's truly some of the best stuff to get notifications for.
Within 14 minutes you unveiled the entire core of storytelling for me. This is a powerful video. Thank you!
I love how you explain the examples, and give the guide I needed to have a coherent structure to my stories. Thank you for this.
You have the skill to show, not tell, how it's done. Thank you :)
That was very helpful!! It was great seeing how your blurb evolved!!
This blurb-as-a-pre-draft idea is awesome.
However I always ignore them. I judge books by opening them in the middle or ending. If there are no awful metaphors, cringy cliches, obvious lazy tricks and copouts on the random couple of pages in the middle, then it's fine.
It helps to filter out 90% (or more, depending on the mood). Some of them can fail the test unfairly, but it's still safer than believing the blurb from an unknown person with unknown tastes and attitudes
What I find most compelling are citations from the book (or a short speech from a character). They can sound too dramatic or preachy out of the context, but it's understandable. At least they show a glimpse of the experience of the reader's viewpoint applied to the actual book contents. Though I'm sure the idea of standard blurb is statistically better with readers. Cause it's used more often
Wonderful, as always! After I have the blurb idea written down, I sometimes write an essay like when I was at school, commenting on the themes and description that I want to use to help reinforce them before I start writing. How does he (I.e. me) use the relationship between characters 1 and 2 to talk about the theme of forgiveness, for example. It's really useful, I find.
And as always, "whatever you do, keep writing" always hits me right where the feelings grow
I love that approach! It sounds like a great way to explore the story's themes on a deeper level.
@@QuotidianWriter it's super useful and it forces you to think about your themes. It also helps with the subtleties of those themes because it helps you think critically about your work, as you are writing from a critic's point of view
Nice presentation :) I almost always write my blurb early on before writing my story. It just helps to direct my path of the plot.
Sometimes I edit it later, and other times I don't.
You always make my day better with video releases!!
I so needed this!! I recently wrote a book Description for my wip and I was told not to do that yet. Some that have read it were intrigued/excited about it which fueled me to continue that path. I think I did this task without realizing how it would help. Thank you for this video!!
Absolutely loved this video and all the handy tips I could use on my writing. Your voice is so soothing with like a hint of humour in it, I'm always excited to watch the next update video :) Thanks tons for this video
Thanks to your video and a little bit of pantsing, I have come up with a story idea.
Your channel is AMAZING! You are doing great work.
Thank you so much! Keep writing. :)
I like the visual way that ideas are communicated in this video and all Quotidian videos. This is no exception.
This is so helpful thank you! I am currently sitting on an outline, but I am feeling that some quirks/plot-points just dont really get much attention. And when you said "because I wasn't exited about it", it hit me. There is just so much stuff going on in my book, and so many concepts that I like to follow, that my original Idea of this specific plot-point just gets overshadowed. It not significant enough. So I will try and use this technique to chance my concept a bit, and figure out what content is worth working on. Thanks again!
Just stumbled across this channel. Been trying to write a book for ages but alas I've yet to commit and finish one. But I digress; unknowingly, I'd been using this method for some time now but did so not to start a book but to have a permanent record of the countless stories in my head. The concept of using blurbs to get your friends/critics to help settle and evolve an idea is new to me and definitely seems like a winner, especially to get oneself pumped to start a project. As you said, if the writer isn't excited about the book, the reader won't be either.
What a great way to get excited about writing! Just hype yourself on your own work!
Now I have a tool to *finally* develop writing ideas that I find exciting. Thank you.
I just discovered this channel yesterday- more than once I've stopped the video somewhere in the middle to go write because I was so inspired. Thank you for making these!
So happy to hear that! That's the ultimate goal. Keep writing! :)
The blurb alone makes me want to read this book! Good work, Diane!
Nice! What a timing. I was thinking whether to write a darn blurb or not! Thanks!
Just found your channel and have been watching your videos and you are litterally a LIFE SAVER. I just love the style of ur content and your tips overall rlly helps. Atmosphere? perfect. Vibes? On point. Advice? amazing😭 ajsuwaiaoaosa 💗💖💗💖💗💖💗💖
Thank you so much for your kind words!!! Keep writing! :)
@@QuotidianWriter Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for replying. I actually had a question to ask you
Your videos are gold, thank you for all the amazing insight!
You are a blessing to writers
You are a blessing to young aspiring writers. God bless you.
The content is amazing, but apart form that:
Am I the only one enjoying this channel as a source of bed time stories?
It takes one episode, like a charm. :)
These videos are phenomenal! Thank you for your hard work!
This helped so much! I have so many ideas right now and I’ve finally gotten back to writing again! My story has a plot!!! Yay!!!
YOU really put efforts with your vid and I really appreciate it, Diane! THANK YOU!
I am in D R Congo Kinshasa/ Africa. I am a writer with a first published novel: Rambled in the Volcano, it's on amazon. I am from a french background, however, my zeal is on English literature, and this channel has helped me in the making of my scripts. I love it and thank for educating me.
I have a second script which has been accepted by the publishers. This channel has accompanied me in the writing of the submitted script. Please know that you're a school educating a boy in the far end of the world... I don't usually comment but I put a like always. One day, I will tell myself and you'll know how much you have helped me. Thanks and thanks and thanks so much...
I tell the world about you
I am called José Litako Belengo
On facebook: Belengo L Nixon... Check me out and you'll know from where I stand.
Wish-earning and wish-stealing. Great concepts.
I view one youtube video on writing each day (so I don't take too much time away from actual writing). This video of yours has an enjoyable presentation, and good information, and interesting suggestions. Thank you.
This is truly helpful! And thank you for the book link✨ Book blurb really got me. The idea of people stealing other people's wishes, it's so tragic and intriguing. Some people wish to simply have a peaceful life away from tragedy, and to have that taken away leaving someone just waiting hoping and wondering why their lives isn't changing for the better. Boy, that's though. Really makes you think, you know. Sounds like an amazing story.✨🙌🏾
Thank you very much! :)
Your videos are always WOW
My book blurb was written after I finished penning down my entire novel ' Together With You Forever.' I liked your method of beginning with the ' blurb '. When I asked my publisher, she told me now pen down your novel's blurb for me. I was all confused, never knew what a blurb can be. I copied from the here and there and put across a blurb, but it didnot appeal to the editor of my novel. She told me rework in line with your novel's storyline. I did and they approved. If you by chance get hold of my novel, you'll know exactly what I am saying here. The most that is seen in book stores like crosswords in Mumbai India is the blurb. you're video is inspiring.
I discovered you a couple of days ago, and I became hooked on your videos ever since. Why aren't you more popular!
Btw, can you do a video on magazine selection or past places you've submitted to?
Well, I just binge watch you as if you were the latest hit series on Netflix. Except I feel smarter for having done so. Thank you for that. Now I am off to investigate some of these plotting .ethos you've hinted at.
This is genius 👏 thank you!
Didnt even watch it yet and I already know it deserves a like
I love this idea. You are awesome.
What's the direction to the best place to learn writing?
Diana Callahan.
Thank you so much for these videos ❤
Always here for this.
I love your voice... It is so soothing and kind 😍
I had trouble with this, thanks.
I haven't completed watching the video but I can still say that it's amazing.
Btw....
I will really appreciate if you can make a video on how to add humor in novel.
In last video someone asked for ur writing ( I forgot the person but I really thank him or her)......
I really loved ur poetries, especially coupled.
Thank you very much for your kind words about my videos and poetry! I actually have a half-finished video script about Writing Better Humor that I started years ago, but it's a tough topic to cover, since humor can be so subjective. I hope to finish it one of these days, though, since it's been requested multiple times. Keep writing! :)
@@QuotidianWriter keep inspiring us like this......
Writing with humor can be a challenge, if you approach it like a science. Even as an art it can easily fall flat. Think of it like sprinkling madic pikthy dutht.
Quite often what you'll find, is humor will bubble up best when the character is being serious.
Humor will always fall flat, when you try not to offend your audience.
Also, you have to define for yourself, the difference between humorous, and a joke. For instance...
Place you hand up in the "I pledge" position. Bring it down diagonally before you, and grasp your opposite hip. If you heard a crack halfway through, congratulations, you've successfully smacked a bitz.
That is a joke. It could be made into a humorous moment, but for the most part it's a joke.
I've been writing jokes (pure jokes, not related to books) and doing some stand-up comedy before pandemic hit, and also I've been immersed by comedy for a long time now, watched tons of specials, how to be a comedian videos, podcast of some comedians etc. and I think only way to get better at this is through become a funny person yourself, and it's a skill just like writing. And some concepts are interchangeable, like show, not tell = Don't explain your jokes, plot twist = punchline and some more.
I think that video script can finally be finished with some aid of a comedian, I'm sure you can find some people on comedy clubs near you, and most of them would happily help you. Just go out for a show, have fun and talk to them after the show.
@@mrnoone6
Why would you post the channel of the youtuber who made this video? Given the layout of you post in it's entirety, I'm left to believe you're a bot.
Super helpful. Thank you.
What a great writing video.
These are so helpful, thanks! :)
another great one!! thanks diane!
I subscribed less than a minute into the video
I liked your wish-maker story, though I understand the criticisms of it too, but I thought that was clever and interesting and I'd have kept reading at least to see what her 2nd wish was, or, if she sought out the wish-maker. It kind of reminds me of my story, which concerns me. That mind might be cliche too. There are no magic wishes in my story, but it's wish-fulfillment, along a loosely similar vein.
This is really helpful. I feel so lucky that you're my friend 😊
WISH HUNTER is available in paperback and e-book format, with an audiobook arriving later this summer (this is my Amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3ih2Lgi
The different drafts of my blurb are on my Ko-fi page: ko-fi.com/post/Behind-the-Scenes-How-to-Write-a-Strong-Story-Con-Y8Y04ZRZ9
You can also read a text version of this video on Medium: quotidianwriter.medium.com/how-to-write-a-strong-story-concept-reverse-book-blurb-exercise-249c33a9d72e
Keep writing! :)
Great video and I really like this new video format. Your previous videos have a bit of a PowerPoint-y feel, whilst this new one doesn't.
Also, what video-editing software do you use and which stock-footage site do you use?
Also also, I am currently writing a fantasy novel/novella (depending on how much I write) about a man who lives in a town called the "Grand Coalition" but wants to leave it, but still feels loyal to "Our Great and Free Motherland"-to be very, very basic, it is way more complicated than that and I have incorporated actual economics as well as demographic, political, geographical and historical structure using historical data to develop a realistic world that includes my "tinging" and "levitation" magic system, as well as doing realistic worldbuilding (with help from Artifexian's videos), although I know not to explain all of that to the readers and have incorporated them into the history of the place (as I like to have a relatively scientifically cohesive setting) rather than telling it to the reader straight out as that is just annoying-what (free) writing-software could I use to help with writing this, other than MicrosoftWord?
And, I can't help but recommend Campfire Blaze for structuring a story, it helps with characters, locations, etc. so you can lay them all out in front of you and refer to them whilst writing so as to not make any mistakes.
@@isawaninterestingthing...7597 Thank you! Once I found Pexels, I had a LOT more stock footage to choose from; before, I was using Pixabay, and there weren't many videos on there. Pexels is free for commercial use as well, but I'll probably have to try a paid stock footage site at some point because I'm nearing the end of the reading and writing B-roll out there, haha. I use Keynote to build out the visuals, and I edit everything in iMovie.
That sounds like a story with in-depth world-building and a good number of moving parts. I've used Microsoft OneNote for organizing story notes before, and other writer friends of mine have recommended Manuskript as a free alternative to Scrivener, although I've never tried it. I've seen Campfire Blaze on some other channels, and it does look neat!
Waited for your video mam
I like this idea a lot. I have a YA book idea I started a few years ago, on a 2nd/third grade level for students in secondary grade levels with reading problems. I have outlined a 3 book story plan but writing the blurb before sounds less intimidating to hand off to family and friends to begin with. I love your tutorials, they have been very helpful. Barbara
That sounds cool :) A little skeptical on the exercise because blurbs leave out so much, but maybe I'll give it a try on one I've been struggling to sort out the plot on.
Scythe intrigued me and I read the trilogy, although the first book was hands and feet above 2 & 3. Goes to show you I'm more "what if" than once upon a time.
Great content as always and I have a suggestion.
Would you make a video about short story writing? I decided to start from there since I need more, much more practice before writing a novel even though I have a good picture in my mind what's it about.
Thank you.
ua-cam.com/video/urkCu0F7XCc/v-deo.html
I hope this video helps you
@@dubadduwariwari2033 It did! Thank you!
The reverse book blurb you described is what Screenwriters call, the logline. It is a one sentence description that both tells you what the story is about, and leave just enough out to hook you into the story.
Super helpful!
Awfully video you make all the time I respect you, thanks ma'am love from India 🇮🇳 🙏🙏🙏
You were my wish
Admire your enthusiasm
😊 thank you for your video
Thanks for the amazing content 🤩 Could you make a video about the snowflake method of writing. I'd really appreciate it.
I'd LOVE to read The Wish Hunter as the premise intrigues me very much... but english isn't my first language. Hopefully you'll plan on translating it and publishing it in other languages in the future, very interested in reading it! (Italy would love it)
Love your videos even though I'm an amateur writer, your videos inspires me to become better writer, I was wondering if you can make a video about pacing in stories in the future if it's possible, I'm having a hard time when it comes to pacing.
Oh god I need that, my pacing is SLOW lol
A story concept I’ve had a few but I mostly draw it. If that counts although this has given me a new view on how to do things
I can only assume you have read Charles DeLint? My first venture into urban fantasy was Dreams Underfoot, waaaay back in 1995. He has been, by far, my favorite author ever since. His stories are so haunting. Someplace to be Flying is one of the weirdest, most fascinating books ever. Anyway, thanks for all of the great advice. Nice to hear from another urban fantasy writer 😁
Very good
You're awesome.
Hi Diane, your Novel "Wish Hunters" sounds very interesting since I have nearly the same idea...but a different expression. ...
So basically, this is kinda like the first step to everything? I mean, I'm an absolute beginner who just got into story writing and one of the more apparent problems, at least for me, is I don't know where to begin writing my story - it just seems too big of a task for me.
You could try, but everybody has a different first step that works best for them.
I think my best tip will be just go for it. No one will really remember the beginning but it is used to give the xtra information that can be developed for the rest of the story. So say whats necessary but move along in progression of the plot and dont get stuck in the beginning. (Coming from a person who keeps writing their beginnings over and over again, I’m a hypocrite)
Could you do a video about comic writing and outlining? It would be super helpful as I’ve thought about if nivel or comic would be better for my story and I think comic is the way.
Good video to start the day,suppose
Question: How did you find your writing group? I’m looking for one to join and share ideas/receive feedback just as you did. Thank you for making these informative videos. They’re helping me to finish my novel ❤
Hi, Diane, I liked your idea of beginning with 'the blurb' and explaining your creative writing method. I've subscribed to your channel, but with a rider: ' don't include too much of back videos.' It distracts serious UA-cam viewers from getting your content better and with more comprehension. Better still, if at some point your subscribers can see You speaking, even if it is box-in-box as you speak. Otherwise, it is the making of a fabulous video! Original and engaging.
Thank you for this informative and beautiful video! I've been actually trying to write a blurb for my WIP for the same purpose
I am however having trouble figuring out how to write it considering it is a multi-POV novel (5). I can't, for the life of me, figure out how to include their stories without making it sound so crowded or without focus- although in reality their stories are interwoven. Any advice from Diane or anyone would be appreciated!
I'm in the same boat. The blurb for my urban fantasy is basically "(Character 1's name + a bit about their main psychological issue). (Repeat for characters 2, 3, 4, 5). Character 1 accidentally summons an entity that offers them all the chance to be cured of their issues in just nine nights. But the battle against their 'inner demons' is to the death."
I think that Mitch's strategy below of writing a separate blurb for each character's story line makes sense, or even dedicating a paragraph to each character within one blurb. For a query letter or official blurb, though, you'd stick with the character who undergoes the most change. I'd also look at how other multi-POV novels pull it off in their Goodreads blurbs. The one for _A Game of Thrones_ focuses on the setting, world, and conflict rather than specific characters. The blurb for the YA thriller _One of Us Is Lying_ quickly lists out the POV characters and their roles in the story before summarizing the plot that they're all involved in, which could be another approach. _Six of Crows_ sort of smashes all of those approaches together, starting with the setting and the main POV, then listing out the other character POVs in terms of their roles rather than by name. I hope that you find an approach that works for you. Keep writing! :)
The majority of Author tube or the authorities of writing and editing are from the West or Countries that treasures reading and the writing industry. Here in the region of Cordillera in the Philippines, it took me about 8 years to write and publish my book. The main reason is the Arts in general like writing, music, painting, sculpture, acting and the like are considered as "hobbies" and not a "real careers". People are focused on what they consider as "real careers" that are "paying jobs" like farming, carpentry, professions, businesses and the like. This is mainly due to the low standard of living or poverty that are prevalent here. It was difficult for me to find editors, beta readers, critic partners, support systems (family and friends who believed on my career choice), time to write (have to hustle in the real world to fulfill basic needs and to exhausted in my free time) and others. I end up skipping some steps and submitted my manuscript this year in a publishing company willing to help me publish as a novice writer. I don't know if this is necessary but it is my reality as a writer.