Saturday, April 29, 2006

High Concept

This is one of the phrases in every writer's vocabulary right now. What does it mean? A one sentence pitch. Yep, your novel in a sentence. If you can't do it, it's not high concept. Now, it doesn't need to be. Slice of life isn't high concept...but then...sometimes it's all in how your phrase it.

Mr. Buttoned Uptight needs a caterer and a girlfriend and decides to multi-task. -- Come For Dinner
A virgin erotica author meets his match and earns his reputation. -- If You Say So
Betty Boop puts a hulking CEO through his paces when he is ticked into being her partner for a kama sutra yoga class. -- Breaking His Rules
Along came Polly...in sneakers -- For Kicks
Sex in the City meets Tin Cup -- Par For The Course

Your turn writers! You can do it. Maybe. I couldn't get Just One Spark or Stripped.

2 comments:

April said...

This has to be the bane of my existence. I can't do this for some reason. I try and I try. I'm getting closer though. I've gotten it down to a few sentences. But I'm working on it. Good job!

Jennifer McKenzie said...

I can't even get mine down in two pages for a synopsis! I'll try though.
The deadliest job turns murderous for Charlene and Ethan as they fight their passion, the Bering Sea and a murderer--"Cold Murder"

Blackmail and murder follow Jessica as she tracks down the murder of her parents--"Hidden Grief"

Oh man, those really bite! I'll keep trying. I really like yours. Nice going Jenna.