Finding the “spice” that makes your story fresh and unique

By Susan Brower

VP of Editorial - Gilead Publishing

It’s been an interesting six months as I have reviewed countless submissions for our new venture, Gilead Publishing, from the best agents in the industry. Imagine having a completely clean slate for acquisitions; I could acquire in any genre, only limited to having a balanced list and a target number of titles. Quality writing—check, Christian content—check, author platform—check.

Despite some of the best writing in the industry that fit our submission guidelines, I was still looking for “fresh ideas.” I actually read one proposal all the while thinking I’d read it before. Not only had I read it, I put it on the “interested” pile for further research. As I looked through our submission grid for this great story, I discovered that I hadn’t read it before, but had read one that was close enough that I wouldn’t want to acquire them both. Some element was the same, some character’s backstory was similar or the setting was not as unique as it might have been.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t elaborate on what, exactly, “fresh” meant. But I do know it’s not something that just comes to a writer unless they open their mind to the world around them. Creativity is not developed in isolation. It’s developed proactively and consistently. There are ideas everywhere. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Five Sources of Inspiration:

1.   Current Events, Social Issues:

What do “Criminal Minds International”, Netflix’s “Newsroom” and an Our Daily Bread video clip have in common?  Elements of each led to an idea for a contemporary thriller involving a missionary in South America. Believe it or not, People magazine is one of my best sources for ideas. The “hero” and “human interest” stories are great for starting the brainstorming process. I also find cable channels like Smithsonian and History Channel offer numerous options for idea generation. They tend to be well-researched and devoid of the scripted drama of “reality” programming. How does it work? The rookie reporter from Newsroom, an international serial killer from Criminal Minds International and a film on sustainable farming in Africa becomes the student on a mission trip in South America who is kidnapped by rebel soldiers.

2.   Thrillers, Mysteries, Suspense

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How does taking a boat ride on a beautiful summer day generate an idea for a murder mystery? Allow yourself to daydream! It seems obvious, but take every opportunity to observe the people around you. Imagine what their story could be and look for unusual experiences. These are great for developing the little details that make your story more interesting. For instance, a few years ago, I was taking a relaxing boat ride with authors Brandilyn Collins and Barb Scott on Lake Coeur d’Alene. We encountered another small boat that was stranded in the middle of the lake and proceeded to tow them to the shore. Somehow, this simple rescue turned into the plot for a dark and sinister murder mystery. The stranded boaters, were, in fact, a pair of murderous thieves who were befriending Brandilyn and her husband so that they could later come up to their home and…well, you can imagine the rest of that plot. Barb and I had developed a complete storyline by the time we landed on shore. 

3.   Historical

Sources for developing fresh historical ideas are infinite, yet I find this is

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the area where originality can be the hardest to find in the proposals I see. Again, I go to cable channels for inspiration in the historical categories. First, they tend to highlight “anniversaries” of big events (sinking of the Titanic) which stir interest among readers for stories of the era. Second, they have to find new and unique content to present history and it’s likely you will find an interesting incident to develop a story around. History Channel, Smithsonian, and A&E have great content. One recent story that intrigued me was about the development of the OSS (America’s first official spy organization) during WWII. Agents from the US were sent to Canada to Camp X to learn the traits of a spy…including the best ways to kill without making a lot of noise. Hmm, now what could I do with that information?????

4.   Romance

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There are not a lot of unique plots in the romance category. However, because certain tropes are always popular (cowboys, babies, secrets, second-chance love), it’s very important to have different settings, character backstories, and conflicts so that readers continue to be intrigued with the romance category. Believe it or not, the Bible is a great source of inspiration. What would a contemporary Hosea and Gomer story look like? Francine Rivers wrote the ultimate historical novel that has sold millions and been on bestseller lists for years. Another idea is to look at programming from cable channels as well as documentaries on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. What about a romance featuring a realtor who specializes in selling islands (HGTV’s Island Hunters)? Perhaps she meets her Prince Charming as he looks for a place to live off the grid…Hmmmmmm Don’t forget DIY, Travel, and Animal Planet. You’d be surprised where the smallest inspiration can develop into a bestselling novel. 

5.   General Fiction

Why do some of the best story ideas originate in the UK? I can’t answer this question, but I do try to keep up on what is popular on UK television and movies through BBC America and PBS. Mysteries like Grantchester, Sherlock Holmes, Broadchurch and Endeavor feed my imagination for murder and mayhem. Historical series like Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, and Poldark make me want to dig deeper into American history during these same times. What I’ve learned most from them is that character is the one element that holds these stories together. It inspires me to look at characters as real people with real emotions and flaws. It seems easy, but the Brits do it best.

Determining how “fresh” a story might be is very subjective. A well-read editor is likely to be much harder to please. Remember, we are reading what is published and what does not get published. Writers must look for inspiration in a variety of places including those that have nothing to do with the genre you are writing or the story you are telling. Inspiration is the spice you add to a story to bring out the flavor of the character, setting, and plot.

Gilead Publishing is an independent publisher of fiction. We publish quality fiction that will appeal to adult readers who enjoy stories written from a Christian perspective. These include novels for women and men in the Contemporary, Romance, Historical, and Mystery/Suspense categories. We also publish Science Fiction/Fantasy through our Enclave imprint. At this time, we’re not looking for YA or children’s, but never say “never.” As we grow and expand, look for novels from authors around the world with stories from around the world.

Sue will be giving away a three copies of Cowboy Christmas Homecoming from her three Seeker Authors and one of Sleigh Bells Ring in honor of Seekervillager Barbara Scott.

Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing. Winners announced in the Weekend Edition.