I was continuing to work on my series premise and overarching considerations today and finally landed on an explanation that gives my hero positive action as well as stakes that go beyond herself. Better, I even managed to condense it down into a two-sentence premise statement.
Now, I’m trying to evaluate this premise, based on the considerations in John Truby’s Anatomy of Story to make sure I understand the problems it presents and what kind of story I will have to write to execute it. My previous attempts fell apart at this stage, especially when I was considering the character’s basic action and change. I haven’t gotten that far, yet, but given that I was thinking about those problems the whole time, I’m hoping I can clear that hoop when I reach it.
I also want to make sure that I am keeping an eye on the tone of this premise. I need to avoid it becoming all melancholy and in the character’s head like the last attempt at this story.
So much to juggle at this point and it’s feeling a bit stressful. I’m plagued by self doubt, as well. All I can do is keep trying and find ways to keep myself on track.