Deciding what you want to write 

Are you struggling to get started with your next writing project? Wondering which idea is the one to run with, or how to decide? Preparing for the launch of our new Premium Member course, Write With Jericho, has got me thinking about this very topic. What do you do when you have way too many ideas bouncing around in your brain? And what if you can’t even decide which genre to dive into? If this sounds familiar, don’t panic – I’ve got you covered. Let’s figure it out together. (And don’t forget – Write With Jericho is for Premium Members only, so be sure to join us before it starts! We’ll be learning how to craft the perfect scene, so you’ll be able to approach any story idea with confidence.) 

1. Start with what excites you most 

When you have too many ideas, start by asking yourself: which one makes you feel the most excited? Which idea has you daydreaming about characters or imagining epic plot twists? Sit with the ideas for a few days or weeks. If one idea gives you that little spark of joy and you find yourself constantly thinking about it, run with it. Writing a book is not easy. If the idea doesn’t make you bounce in your seat a little bit, it’s probably not going to be an idea you’ll want to sit with for 80k plus words and read and edit again… and again… and again. Excitement is the fuel that will keep you going. 

Pro Tip: If you’re excited about it, chances are your readers will be too. 

2. Create a “Battle Royale” of ideas 

Take all your ideas and pit them against each other. Write a quick elevator pitch for each one and see which stands out. When I say elevator pitch, I don’t mean the kind you’d include on a query letter. I mean the quick, dirty kind that you stick on a post-it note or scribble in the middle of the night. Take a look at this masterclass from Harry Bingham if you’re unsure how to do this. If you’re torn between a thriller about a missing heirloom and a romantic comedy set in a flower shop, ask yourself: which feels fresher? Which would you rather spend months (or years) writing? 

3. Test drive your ideas 

You don’t have to commit right away. Write a short story, an opening chapter, or even just a scene for a few of your favourite ideas. Why not use Write With Jericho, where we’re going to be writing a scene together, to try out your idea? As a Premium Member, you’ll have access to the replays for as long as you’re a member, so if it doesn’t work out you can always take the course again with a different idea. This process can help you see which one feels the most natural to write and has the most potential for growth. 

4. Combine ideas 

Who says you have to choose just one? Sometimes the best stories come from blending two seemingly unrelated ideas. For example, your dystopian sci-fi concept could pair perfectly with your love for cozy mysteries. Suddenly, you’re writing about a sleuth solving crimes on a spaceship. Genre mashups can be magical – and extremely sought after by agents and publishers if they’re done well. 

5. Explore your genre dilemma 

If you can’t decide which genre to write, think about: 

What you love to read? The genre you enjoy most as a reader might be the one you’ll enjoy writing. 

Your natural strengths: Are you great at building suspense? Maybe thrillers are your calling. Do you write snappy dialogue? Consider comedy. 

What scares you a little: The genre that intimidates you might be the one that helps you grow the most as a writer. 

6. Look at the long game 

Ask yourself: which genre do you see yourself sticking with for multiple books? If you’re hoping to build a career, it helps to establish yourself in a particular niche. That doesn’t mean you can never branch out, but if a publisher is considering offering you a book deal, they’ll want to know that you can produce multiple books in the same genre that will appeal to the same readers again and again. When I wrote my first novel, which was a sci-fi, this is exactly why I never queried it. I couldn’t see myself as a sci-fi writer. I didn’t think I could write another book in the genre, or at least, not multiple books. However, I could see myself writing lots of thrillers, so I decided to do that instead. 

7. Consult your characters 

Sometimes it’s the characters, not the plot, that can help you decide. Think about the people in your ideas. Which characters feel the most real or compelling? Which ones are clamoring the loudest for their story to be told? Follow their lead. 

8. Set aside market pressure 

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s trending. While it’s good to be aware of the market, trying to chase trends can stifle your creativity. It’s also a bit pointless. What’s trending today probably won’t be next year, so by the time you’ve written the book, edited the book, and started to query, it’s likely to no longer be in demand. Even worse – the market will probably be over-saturated by that point and you’ll be competing with writers who got there quicker than you. Instead, focus on writing what you’re passionate about. Trends come and go, but a story you love will always have value. 

9. Flip a coin (seriously) 

If you’re truly stuck, grab a coin. Assign an idea or genre to each side and flip. You’ll either: 

Get your answer, or 

Realize as the coin is mid-air which one you’re secretly rooting for. 

10. Remember to have fun 

Writing should be fun! Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s also your chance to create a world, fall in love with your characters, and tell a story only you can tell. Don’t stress about choosing the “right” idea. Whatever you write, it will be uniquely yours. 

So, take a deep breath, pick an idea (or two!), and start typing. You’ve got this! 

Don’t forget to join us as a Premium Member before 27 January to take part in Write With Jericho. I’m teaching the first lesson! You can find out more about the course right here.