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High concept explained: Editor's Notes #288 May 29, 2019

Hello, All my life, I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific. —Jane Wagner In this issue: 1. High concept explained 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 5. A special offer 1. High concept explained I recently found the term high concept in a publication for writers. Since I’d never heard it before in spite of considering myself conversant with important topics regarding writing, I did some digging. I like to share, so here is high concept explained. First, if you’ve never heard of a high concept, relax. It’s a movie term, although it does seem to be creeping into the literary vocabulary. A high concept movie has two important characteristics: It can be summarized briefly, usually in one sentence, in a way that will capture attention, preferably the attention of a wide audience. The stakes are high. These are stories that deal with existential threats; they threaten existence. The focus is on those stakes, not on character development. Examples of high concept stories include the following: Star Wars Terminator Independence Day Jurassic Park Why should you care? Well, I always feel better when I’m in the know, and if you didn’t know before, now you know a bit about high concept. So, I hope you feel a bit better. Beyond that, understanding high concept may help you sharpen your own ideas when it comes to writing. How high are the stakes? How important are they to your story? Can you widen the appeal of your book? PS. At the least, you will not be tempted to confuse the term high concept with the term literary fiction. Not the same thing at all. =========== 2.Tickled my funny bone Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken. =========== 3. Interesting Web site High concept is possibly more about marketing than about writing. If marketing interests you, you might like this site. https://www.sethgodin.com/ =========== 4. Writing prompt What scares you? Write about how you can conquer your nemesis. =========== 5. A special offer Start your summer with a new book cover design for your book! I am pleased to offer Editor’s Note subscribers a free ebook cover file with the purchase of a full paperback design. Email sjbarnesdesign@gmail.com and mention the code “EDITORSNOTES” for more details. =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html

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