RK Wallis's latest activity

Exactly. I'm not suggesting an exercise on high concept, just using this 'x meets y' method as a way to find a concept for your next book. The 'x and y' doesn't have to be some runaway seller, just one of your fav books with a particular element...

Also true. Though worth bearing in mind that different readers get their thrills in different ways. High-octane action, a deeply engaging voice, the exploration of a second world, a mystery to solve...all have readers.

The X meets Y was just an exercise we were looking at to try and flex our muscles and develop those idea seeds. I am sure there plenty more out there. This is very true, but I've been writing what I love for forty years. It would be nice to...

"X meets Y" turns me right off. However, I don't know if that's what Claire's original post was saying? "A knock-out concept" is more than X meets Y, right? I took a writing course years ago, and the first module was on high concept. He said...

General Patton's quote was "A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week."

It reminds me of one of the more famous business expressions: Good today beats perfect tomorrow every time. A good example on the original quote: King admits he is not, technically, a great writer. But his mind for story is kind of untouchable...

Agreed. 'High concept' makes me turn off if anything. Broadly speaking I'm a lot less interested in the idea than in the way it's executed. Having said that, the most recent book I've added to my have-to-read library list I selected on the...

I thought that coming up with great concepts was a talent in itself.

I think high concept and good voice/writing can go hand-in-hand. Something like Life of Pi, Curious Incident, and Murderbot? Easily pitched but also very well written with great voice.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2026/06/advice-for-older-writers?utm_source=Nathan+Bransford%27s+blog&utm_campaign=b8578f892c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_03_09_09_55_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_300cc2629c-7e3e424ae5-484060641 Never give up xx r

I watched the video, and she specifically says high concept at the start. Maybe I just don't get it. I don't know any of the books or films she mentions. I don't watch much film or TV, and I dislike novels that read as if they had a film in...

Great find @Aethalope !! I beg to disagree. High concept, yes. Concept, no. Watch the exercise Alyssa proposes. You could apply it to any type of novel, and it helps an agent picture your novel in a split second. If you want to trad publish...

@RK Wallis Alyssa Matestic has a good exercise. We can see if we can formulate a more group-friendly exercise around it.

I think both is appropriate.

👀 That's a great idea! I am sure we can develop something to flex those muscles 💪 🤔