What is the right idea?

I've posed a question I honestly have no answer for. The drunk writers are about to go into brainstorming mode for new ideas and I imagine that question might come up, and truthfully, I don't know who could answer it, except maybe an editor.

But even an editor probably only knows if they read a great idea written really well and it fits well into their list.

There are some authors, who by luck, or instinct, or some secret font of information who can hit a trend just as it's taking off. But most of us feel like we're struggling in the dark.

But I've known writers who've written amazing books to be turned down because they hit the market at the wrong time.

so when trying to figure out the next idea, do they come up with something completely new, or try and find a twist on an idea that is currently out there.

And I honestly have no answer to this question. I go back and forth on pretty much a constand basis.

On another note: The Vampire diaries started up again last night. The plotting on that show is amazing. Small details in a scene become significant dramatic points six episodes later. Those writers are so smart.