#WritersRoad ReCap: High Concept

Here is an abbreviated recap of Monday's Writer's Road chat on high concept (highlights only).

Heather McCorkle Think of high concept as something that would be a blockbuster if it were a movie. #WritersRoad

@HeatherMcCorkle: When you write a novel you shouldn't try a high concept. Either it is, or it isn't. Let the story decide

Krissi Dallas  High concept is a story that when pitched immediately creates an image or interest for the reader based on concept alone. #writersroad

Tina Moss  High concept always feels like something described after the fact i.e. after it becomes a bestseller. #writersroad

Heather McCorkle Think of high concept this way: Something with a deeper meaning, a richer story, possibly a lesson or visceral reaction. #WritersRoad

TS Tate (Tee)  From #TheShark "High concept means you can explain the book without actually ever talking about the content." #writersroad

Heather McCorkle  to @teetate Yes! Like a Twitter pitch that makes me desperately want to know more because the short description is that good. #WritersRoad

Allison Duke  This is from Rachelle Gardner in 2011: qub.me/8v3fFg #WritersRoad

Krissi Dallas  In my experience, all HC is, is a word used by agents/pubs to declare it easy to PITCH/SELL. Because it's widely familiar. #writersroad

Matthew Wilbur @Nightveil "Costumed super-hero fights crime dressed as a bat. Doesn't kill. Uses lots of gadgets." #WritersRoad

Heather McCorkle   How do you know if you're writing high concept? How much interest is elicited from the short pitch is an indicator. #WritersRoad

Krissi Dallas @Chris_Ledbetter In a way, you're probably right...But it's something that hits on popular trends & tells it uniquely, I think. #writersroad

TS Tate (Tee)  From Waxman. They're suggestions for "High Concept" waxmanagency.wordpress.com/2009/02/06/rec… #writersroad

TS Tate (Tee)  Don't let your desire for success motivate. Stay true to the story first, figure out the marketing/PR later. #writersroad

Lori Prima @Loriprima to @teetate I think writers sometimes look too far ahead, which can trip us up. Also I can't do it all. It's ok to need help #writersroad

Allison Duke  A book does NOT have to be high concept to sell, but high concept will get more attention faster. #WritersRoad

Chris Ledbetter to @HeatherMcCorkle Consider this, everyone says write YOUR book, but when you finish, either the premise is salable or it's not #writersroad

Allison Duke I would suggest that an experienced author does not have to write high concept, but the first thing you pitch should be. #WritersRoad

Ebony McKenna I love trying to work out what High Concept is. Like nailing jelly to the wall. #writersroa

Heather McCorkle In the end, the important thing is that you write the story that's in your heart or your gut, and that you write it well. #WritersRoad