From Idea to Story in 90 Seconds

by Ken Rand

"Where do you get your ideas?" New writers ask this of pros all the time. Their answers often vary from the trite to the uncivil to the dismissive, but seldom answer. Where do ideas come from-and how do you translate them into stories? Ken Rand has applied 35-plus years as a reporter, writer, editor and teacher, and has written and sold millions of words, exploring that question. At last, in a plain, unambiguous voice, with humor and authority, here's your answer.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2007

Reviews

[Matt]

Although it’s a short book (under 100 pages), it gives a method to freeing up and using your right brain to create story lines for fictional works. The author promotes his tried and tested method to tap into the “Cosmic Stew” to develop original stories. Very well worth reading. Well written, short, and concise.

[Jim Reddy]

Short and to the point. As the author says, no longer than it needs to be. Split into two parts, theory and practice. I didn’t expect to get much out of the theory half and was impatient to get to the practice half. Some of what it’s in the theory half was very eye opening though. Now I have a better understanding of why I don’t get far when I sit down and start writing. I found the practice half useful as well. His idea to story generating process seems gimmicky but I haven’t actually tried it yet. On the other hand, since reading this book I’ve been writing and I’ve been writing regularly.

[Shauna]

I heard this book strongly recommended by a writer, so I got it. It has some useful information for the beginning writer on developing the habit of writing and on some brainstorming techniques. Someone who's been published probably won't get much from it. The book is brief for the price.

[Rachel Ayers]

I was hoping for more on how and IDEA becomes a STORY, which is covered a little bit. Still, some useful tools in a slim volume.

[J.J. Toner]

A bit gimmicky, this one. Promised more than it delivered. Over-priced for under 100 pages.