"The One"

You always hear writers talk about their books as if they're their children, which isn't always that far off. But in the case of book ideas, they're more like matchmaking. For writers, we're always in search of "The One", the story idea of story ideas, the one you're going to see through to the end.

Many writers agonize over whether or not their current idea is "The One", the idea to write and rewrite and query until you drop. So how do we know when we have this elusive perfect match? Here are a few clues:

1) You can't stop thinking about it.
Ideas will always come and go, and there will always be the 'Almosts', the ideas that could've been "The One" but just weren't. But if you've already outlined the book(s) in full, characterized and developed the setting, and done all the research necessary, and you're STILL thinking non-stop about your idea, it's a pretty good bet.

2) You look forward to writing it.
Even on your worst days, writing your ideas can be fun. Until to hit a rut. Many writers simply stop there and pick up something new, or return to an old project. But if you brave the ruts and plot holes out of sheer love, you're meant for each other.

3) It excites you.
Books are only as interesting as you make them, and i you find your book really fascinating, chances are that others will, too. You're your own book's fangirl. (Or boy.) So if your idea keeps you up to all hours and every song with a good beat reminds you of some scene in the beginning or you see people who look strangely like your characters, you've probably got your hands on "The One". Congratulations, send me an invite to your wedding.

Now, contrary to popular opinion, there is more than one "The One". Once one is finished, there's always an opportunity for another. Don't think you're a one-and-done kind of deal. There's always a new idea out there, a new adventure.

To first encounters and honeymoons,
Brie