Baby Steps 4 – Your Premise

As a fiction writer, you know that crafting a compelling premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is crucial in setting the stage for your story. But what exactly does it mean to write a premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument.? And how do you go about doing it?

A well-crafted premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is the foundation of any successful fiction writing. It provides readers with an engaging and intriguing starting point, setting the stage for your story’s events to unfold.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of premises and provide you with practical tips on how to craft one that will captivate readers from the very beginning.

But, what is a premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument.?

A premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is a concise statement that encapsulates the central idea of your story. It serves as a blueprint for your narrative and provides direction for character arcs, plot progression, and thematic exploration. A strong premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should be able to convey the essence of your story in 2-3 sentences without revealing too much about the specifics. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of your story’s underlying set-up.

A good premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should be:

1. Compelling: Interesting enough to grab readers’ attention and make them want to know more.
2. Unique: Fresh and original, with a twist or surprise that sets it apart from other stories in the same genreGenre refers to the books that have some strong element in them that defines them as a particular type of book, such as fantasy, romance, or crime fiction. These types of novels have required tropes, and if the novel doesn't have those, it's not that genre. Readers expect to see those tropes and are disappointed if they're not there. Refers to either a general classification of writing, such as the novel or the poem, or to the categories within those classifications, such as the thriller or action story. Genre lets your reader know what to expect from your writing. More.
3. Well-defined: Clear and concise, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

“A good premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. can make or break your story; it should be unique, intriguing, and set up the stakes for your characters right away.” – Jodi Picoult

A premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. can be expressed as:

• A single sentence: “What if a time traveller went back to prevent their own birth?”
• A brief paragraph: “In a world where memories can be implanted or erased, a young woman discovers she’s the key to unlocking a mysterious phenomenon.”
• An elevator pitch: “Imagine a society where people are judged based on their social media profiles. What happens when someone tries to hack the system?”

A premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is not:

• A plot summary (e.g., “The protagonist goes on a quest to save the world.”)
• A character description (e.g., “Meet John, a struggling artist trying to make it big.”)

Having a solid premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. in place can help you:

• Clarify your ideas: By distilling your concept into a few sentences, you’ll gain clarity on what drives your story.
• Develop characters: A strong premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. sets the stage for character development and helps you understand their motivations.
• Structure your narrative: Your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. serves as a foundation for building tension, conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level., and resolution in your story.

“A good premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should be able to capture the essence of your story in one sentence – or at most two… The best premises are those that reveal character, situation, and conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level. all at once. They’re like a snapshot of the entire narrative, distilled into a single phrase.” – from “How to Write Short: Word Craft for Fast Times” by Roy Peter Clark.

How to Write Your Premise

Step 1: Identify Your Story’s Central Conflict

The first step in writing a compelling premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is identifying the central conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level. or challenge that drives your narrative. This could be an internal struggle, such as overcoming fear or self-doubt, or an external obstacle like saving a loved one from danger. Consider what your protagonist must overcome and how this conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level. will shape the overall story arc.

Step 2: Introduce Your Main Character(s)

Your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should briefly introduce your main character(s), highlighting their key traits, motivations, or goals that are central to resolving the central conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level.. This could be a heroic figure fighting for justice, an unlikely underdog seeking redemption, or even an antagonist with conflicting desires and loyalties.

Step 3: Establish the Story’s Setting and Genre

To create context for your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument., briefly mention the story’s setting and genreGenre refers to the books that have some strong element in them that defines them as a particular type of book, such as fantasy, romance, or crime fiction. These types of novels have required tropes, and if the novel doesn't have those, it's not that genre. Readers expect to see those tropes and are disappointed if they're not there. Refers to either a general classification of writing, such as the novel or the poem, or to the categories within those classifications, such as the thriller or action story. Genre lets your reader know what to expect from your writing. More. This could be a dystopianDescribes an imaginary society that is as dehumanising and as unpleasant as possible. future world, a medieval kingdom, or even an alternate reality. The setting and genreGenre refers to the books that have some strong element in them that defines them as a particular type of book, such as fantasy, romance, or crime fiction. These types of novels have required tropes, and if the novel doesn't have those, it's not that genre. Readers expect to see those tropes and are disappointed if they're not there. Refers to either a general classification of writing, such as the novel or the poem, or to the categories within those classifications, such as the thriller or action story. Genre lets your reader know what to expect from your writing. More will help readers visualise the environment in which the conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level. unfolds and provide clues about the tone and style of your narrative.

Step 4: Include Stakes and Consequences

A strong premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should convey the stakes involved for your protagonist(s) if they fail to resolve the central conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level.. This could be a loss of life, freedom, or even the fate of an entire world. Including consequences in your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. adds weight to the story and emphasises the importance of overcoming the central challenge.

Step 5: Create a Sense of Urgency

A compelling premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should convey an underlying sense of urgency and danger, driving your characters toward their goals or forcing them into difficult situations. This can be achieved by hinting at potential consequences if they fail to achieve their objectives or overcome the obstacles in their path.

Step 6: Keep it Concise and Engaging

Remember that a premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is meant to be brief and engaging. Avoid including too many details or specific plot points, as these can spoil the surprise and intrigue for readers. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of your story while leaving room for exploration and discovery.

Example Premises

• In a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is enslaved by an alien race, a young woman must risk everything to lead a rebellion against their oppressors and restore freedom to her people.
• A timid accountant discovers he has the ability to time travel, embarking on a journey through history to prevent his own murder while uncovering dark secrets about those closest to him.
• In a world where magic is outlawed, an orphan girl with hidden powers must join forces with a rogue prince and navigate treacherous political alliances to overthrow the tyrannical ruler who threatens their homeland’s very existence.
• In a world where memories can be implanted or erased, a young woman must navigate the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her very existence.
• When a group of friends discover an ancient artefact hidden deep in the forest, they unwittingly unleash a curse that will change their lives forever – but at what cost?
• In a dystopianDescribes an imaginary society that is as dehumanising and as unpleasant as possible. future where emotions have been genetically engineered out of humanity, one individual must find a way to rekindle hope and spark rebellion against the oppressive regime.

My own current premise

“A young man is forced by his father to join the Roman Army to find out what has happened to his older brother, Tomas, who was posted as ‘missing’ 2 years ago, but more importantly, did Tomas take the amber bee?” Total words = 40

Key takeaways

1. Keep it concise: Write your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. in 2-3 sentences that capture the core idea of your story.
2. Focus on underlying set-up: Don’t worry about incorporating character names or specific plot points; instead, focus on capturing the essence of your story’s underlying setup.
3. Use vivid language and active voice: To make your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. engaging and memorable.

“A great premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. should be simple, engaging, and leave readers wanting more.” – Orson Scott Card

A ‘formula’ for writing your premise

1. Character + Situation = Objective
2. Opponent (who/what stands in their way) + Disaster (stake if they fail)

Example:

“A group of Navy Seals are sent on a black-ops mission to investigate the discovery of a United States submarine that vanished over [insert time-frame]...”

This formula aims to capture the essence of your story’s main conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level. and stakes, while also highlighting the character(s) involved. Feel free to modify it or use it as inspiration for crafting your own premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument.!

8 Steps to write your premise

1. Start with the core idea: In 2-3 sentences, write the underlying set up of your story.
   • Don’t worry about character names or specific plot points; those will evolve as you continue to write.
   • Focus on capturing the essence of your story’s main conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level. and stakes.
2. Define what your story is “about”: Clearly state the central themeTheme is the unifying idea of a story, tying everything together. It gives larger meaning to the events and people in the novel. An idea or point at the heart of a story. A theme can be exemplified by the actions, utterances, or thoughts of a character in a novel., genreGenre refers to the books that have some strong element in them that defines them as a particular type of book, such as fantasy, romance, or crime fiction. These types of novels have required tropes, and if the novel doesn't have those, it's not that genre. Readers expect to see those tropes and are disappointed if they're not there. Refers to either a general classification of writing, such as the novel or the poem, or to the categories within those classifications, such as the thriller or action story. Genre lets your reader know what to expect from your writing. More, or tone of your novel.
3. Identify your central conflictConflict is the struggle a character goes through in pursuit of a goal. It's what makes it harder for her to accomplish a task or make a decision in the novel. It's at the core of every scene and what has to be overcome for the character to achieve her goal. It can be both external (a plot conflict) or internal (a character arc conflict). Basically, conflict is what makes things emotionally harder for the protagonist to make choices that affect the plot of the novel. The opposition driving the entire plot of a story and presenting obstacles to the protagonist on a macro and micro level.: Determine the main struggle or challenge your characters face, whether it’s internal or external. This sets the foundation of your story and engages readers from the beginning.
4.  Establish your main characters: Introduce your primary characters with distinct personalities and motivations to help readers connect with them emotionally. Focus on one or two central figures rather than an entire cast at this stage.
5. Set your story’s world and time period: Provide context for the setting of your story, whether it is past, present, or future. This helps create a unique atmosphere that will engage readers from the start.
6. Create a sense of urgency: Convey an underlying sense of danger or urgency in your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. to drive characters toward their goals and force them into difficult situations.
7. Include consequences: Add weight to your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. by including potential consequences if the central challenge is not overcome (e.g., loss of life, freedom, or world existence). This creates a sense of urgency and importance for readers.
8. Keep it short and engaging: Aim for a concise, impactful premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. with two to three sentences that capture the essence of your story without overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. This will help draw them in and keep them invested throughout your novel or short story.

Example: “In [genre] set in [setting], when [main character(s)] face(s) [central conflict], they must overcome [opponent/obstacle] to prevent [consequence]. This journey will explore themes of [thematic elements].”

For instance, a premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. for a dystopianDescribes an imaginary society that is as dehumanising and as unpleasant as possible. science fiction novel could be: “In a world ravaged by climate change and ruled by an oppressive government, a young hacker must infiltrate the system to expose the truth behind the regime’s manipulation of weather patterns before humanity is wiped out.”

Conclusion

Writing your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is an essential step in crafting a compelling story. By following these tips and focusing on capturing the underlying set-up of your narrative, you’ll be well on your way to creating a premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. that will captivate readers from start to finish.

Remember: your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. sets the stage for everything else – characters, plot points, themes, and more. And your premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is not set in stone; it’s meant to be refined as you develop your story. But having a solid foundation from the start will help you build a stronger narrative.

Take your time in crafting one that truly captures the essence of your story, and watch as it helps guide you through the writing process with greater clarity and purpose. A well-written premiseThe premise is the general description of a novel's idea. It's the basic story or concept. A two to three sentence description of your plot or core argument. is just the beginning – let it inspire you as you continue to write and explore new dimensions within your story.