GREAT ART must be original. This includes music and writing.

The problem with writing is that so many of us love to use tropes, which are fun, sometimes beloved, but NOT original. Occasionally you might subvert a trope and make it original, but instead ask yourself, can’t I think of anything better?

Concept is King, and the biggest mistake artists and writers make is going with the first idea that pops into their head.

For example: your main character meets a wizard. So you create an old dude with a white beard. “But Jason!”, you say, “readers love the old, bearded wizard trope.” That’s true, they do. But also it was just your first idea. Keep brainstorming. What about a young girl as master wizard? Or a blind begger? Or a talking gorilla? Or maybe a dead spirit haunting the tree he was hanged from? That last one is fun, you have to go to the tree to consult the wizard. And maybe he doesn’t want to be disturbed!

You can still use tropes, the publishers like being able to sell favorite tropes. But be very mindful which ones you keep and why. Others you might subvert for a fun twist. But examine them and ask which are necessary and which can be made into something else.

Too many tropes is a problem. Harry Potter, for example, is absolutely riddled with overused tropes. It’s why she was rejected 12 times and nearly not published. It’s got the chosen one, the orphan, the prophecy, the dark overlord, the wizard school, hidden magic world, old white bearded wizard mentor, magic wands, The blonde, white bully who was only missing a letter jacket, etc.

The point is, your best idea usually isn’t your first. Keep brainstorming and come original. 🏆