The Big Idea

It’s the idea that delights you, makes you giggle or despair. It's the idea within your story that gives you glee. The bright jewel, the sun in the sky of your mind that makes you smile every time you think of it. As the surrounding structure of story starts to emerge and build your narrative and bookend your big idea - you must keep direct contact with it. Because the Big Idea is the vital wave of energy that supports you through an entire project. The self arising fountain of excitement reminding you about it every day as you write. It was Dorothy going to OZ. That was it. Not the bullet points, or structure, or any details of Oz. But this impossible idea that she would be propelled across the rainbow to a magic world by a tornado. Pretty big idea.

The Big Idea is pure energy and joy. It’s what thrills and excites you, unlocks your heart, engages your mind. So. How do you identify it?

Notice what the Big Idea does NOT have:

It does not have a story.
It does not have structure.
It does not have details.

What it does have:

It is simple.
It should feel as radiant as a little sun.
It will be unexpected.
It will feel like lightning, it will have energy.

Story structure and details come later.

The mechanics of how you take the lightning of a Big Idea and put it into a bottle are out there in so many books, blogs and online bulletin boards it’s overwhelming. It’s been written about all over the internet. Everyone has some point of view on it. So find the one you resonate with the most, while feeling the most professional.

But as you expand your idea into storytelling - never lose touch with that bolt of lightning you fell in love with in the first place.