So how do you know when you've found the right idea? Here's ten things to think about:
1. Get quality feedback
If you know someone in the publishing industry do ask them what they think to your ideas. Even better if that someone is an agent. They'll know what publishers are looking for. Okay, as this isn't that realistic an idea for most writers try and find someone who'll be brutally truthful (clue: it's not going to be your mum then!).
2. Watch people's responses to your pitch
This is a dangerous game but Matt and myself always find ourselves pouring out a new book idea only to find it's met with blank looks or bemused faces so only do this if you've got nerves of steel.
3. How does it make you feel when you're writing?
If the writing and story is leaving you cold, it'll most definitely not turn on agents/publishers/readers!
4. Think of the market
But only to a certain extent. As you pretty much know the publishing industry is market driven so keep an eye on new trends (good places to check are Publishing News and The Bookseller). One of your ideas could be exactly what the industry is looking for! Novelists who say they write solely 'for themselves' are as delusional as women who say they only have a Brazilian wax and break the bank on a new Diane Von Furstenberg 'for themselves'. If novelists only write for themselves why don't they just keep it in their diary. No. There's no shame in admitting you write partially for other people, and so taking an interest in what's going on in the market makes damn good sense.
5. Get organised
This probably sounds pretty obvious but I often find myself in a real muddle with my paperwork and just half an hour can really help clear your head. Mind you, I can sometimes overdo it. Spending all my time on neat and organised 'To do' lists and not getting on with the real thing.
6. Do you have related ideas?
If you've found the right story then related ideas will flow from it. If that's not happening then perhaps you should move on.
7. What do you see?
Does the idea have a strong visual effect on you? This might only be me, but when I've got an idea I can really visualise the characters and the situations.
8. Are you getting sleepless nights?
If the idea is keeping you awake at night with excitement and you simply must jot down your ideas at 3am then I'd pretty much think you're onto a winner.
9. Is it easy to explain/sell?
Can you explain it in less than a paragraph? And do you know that you'd want to read it if it was on the back of a book? If you've got a few ideas write a short one paragraph synopsis for each (in the style of a book blurb) and see which stands out.
10. Do you have a burning desire to tell the story?
This is the clincher. If you feel that you simply must get this story down on paper then you'll know you've got it. If you don't have this passion it'll most definitely show and you'll find it immensely hard to finish the book.
Have you got the right idea?