Premise Before Prose: Why Your Story's Backbone Deserves More Love

Every great building needs a solid foundation. Similarly, every great story requires a strong premise. When you're at the cusp of a new story idea, nurturing that seed into a full-fledged premise can be the difference between a compelling tale and a forgettable one.

When setting out to write a story, it's easy to get lost in the vast expanse of narrative possibilities, and having a developed premise provides goalposts to drafting your story along with a few other key benefits. Before we get right into it, some mistake premise for a theme and vice versa.

Theme vs. Premise Knowing the Difference?

Before diving into the nuances of crafting a premise, it's essential to differentiate it from another foundational element of storytelling: the theme.

A theme is a recurrent idea that captures a universal human quality or emotion in a single word: friendship, betrayal, perseverance, and so on. The theme typically drives the emotional arc of your main characters, underpinning their growth and the lessons they learn.

On the other hand, the premise is a more elaborate exploration of the theme. It's the essence of what you're writing about, providing both a foundation and a guiding direction. To put it simply, if a theme is a seed, the premise is the sprout that emerges from it. My simple formula for each is:

Theme = Meaning/Feeling

Premise = Story

The Value of a Robust Premise

A clear premise doesn't just give goalposts to your writing; it becomes a tool for pitching and marketing. When someone asks about your story, a well-crafted premise is your elevator pitch in saying exactly what your story is about. It communicates the essence, intrigue, and promise of your story.

Here's why developing a premise before beginning the draft is important:

Developing a solid premise is like setting the cornerstone for your story. It provides the structure and guidance for you to build your story. By understanding your theme and translating it into a premise, you're already on the path to creating a memorable tale. Remember, every epic journey begins with a single step. Let your premise be that pivotal first stride.

A premise also allows you, as the writer, to play around with your idea to develop the story. Do you have to have the premise before you draft? No, but it does make your time more efficient when you are sitting down to draft when you know it versus when you don’t. I find that most new writers are intimidated by developing a premise. I have a quick formula that I use. Also, know that it takes time to really fine-tune the premise, so have a couple of drafts and be prepared to widdle it down.

Let’s begin by using a quick formula to help you write a premise

My quick formula on how to write a story premise consists of a 1-2 sentence in structure. You really want it in one sentence; however, when starting brand new, give some grace to yourself. It won’t be perfect the first time attempted, or the second or the third.

1. Identify the protagonist in 2 words (adjective + noun)

2. What they want = A Goal

3. Core conflict in story = Situation or Crisis

4. Special Sause to the story (simple – perspective – unique)

EXAMPLES, EXAMPLES, EXAMPLES!!

For examples, see the below breakdowns of well-known stories. I always find examples helpful and hope you see how the premise may not have all the ins and outs; however, it tells you in a succinct one sentence.

Example: "The Wizard of Oz"

1. Protagonist in 2 words: Naive farmgirl

2. What they want (Goal): To return home

3. Core conflict in story: Trapped in a magical land

4. Special Sauce: Through the perspective of magical creatures and enchanted shoes

Premise: A naive farmgirl wants to return home but finds herself trapped in a magical land; with the help of enchanted shoes and new friends, she discovers the true meaning of home.

Example: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

1. Protagonist in 2 words: Defiant teenager

2. What they want (Goal): Survive the games

3. Core conflict in story: Forced into a televised death match

4. Special Sauce: In a dystopian, divided society

Premise: A defiant teenager seeks to survive a deadly televised game, battling both fellow tributes and the oppressive Capitol, all while navigating the complexities of a dystopian society and the eyes of millions watching her.

Example: "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas

1. Protagonist in 2 words: Wronged sailor

2. What they want (Goal): Seek vengeance

3. Core conflict in story: Betrayed and imprisoned

4. Special Sauce: With a mysterious fortune and elaborate disguises

Premise: A wronged sailor, after being unjustly imprisoned due to betrayal, escapes and seeks vengeance on those who wronged him, using a newfound fortune and a series of elaborate disguises to exact his revenge in high society.

The Power of Crafting a Premise Before the Draft

Developing a premise takes practice, and you’re premise might get more fine-tuned as you begin writing your draft. Think of this journey as setting sail on the open sea. Without a compass or a map, a sailor might drift aimlessly, getting caught in storms or losing their way entirely. Similarly, the premise acts as a writer's compass, providing you with direction and purpose. Below are some reasons why developing your premise is beneficial before beginning your draft.

1. Guided Focus: At its core, a premise provides clarity. With a solid premise, writers have a central idea or goal to return to, ensuring that the narrative doesn't veer off course. This concise understanding of the story's essence acts as a goalpost, helping writers align their plot developments, character arcs, and themes. Without this, it's easy for a narrative to become convoluted or for subplots to overshadow the main story.

2. Enhanced Cohesion: Every element of a story, from minor character interactions to major plot twists, should serve the overarching narrative. By having a well-defined premise, writers ensure that each part of their tale contributes meaningfully to the whole. This cohesion not only strengthens the story's structure but also makes for a more immersive and coherent reading experience.

3. A Boost in Confidence: Particularly for writers early in their careers, staring at a blank page can be daunting. Having a premise in hand is like having a starting point on a map. It provides you with fuel and a sense of direction. Even for seasoned writers, a clear premise can act as a reaffirmation, a constant reminder of the story's core, preventing them from getting bogged down by unnecessary details.

4. Streamlined Revision: Every draft undergoes revisions. With a solid premise, the process of refining and editing becomes more streamlined. Instead of wading through pages of extraneous content, writers can quickly identify which parts of their draft align with their premise and which don't, making the revision process efficient and purposeful.

5. Effective Pitching and Marketing: Beyond the drafting stage, a well-crafted premise is invaluable for selling the story. Whether pitching to agents, publishers, or readers, being able to succinctly convey the essence of a story is crucial. A strong premise serves as the perfect elevator pitch, capturing attention and generating interest. Also, it sure is nice to have when your neighbor or friend asks you what you're writing about.

In the tapestry of storytelling, the premise stands as a backbone. It's not merely an initial step but a guiding star, ensuring that every chapter, character arc, and plot twist serves the heart of the narrative. While the allure of diving straight into drafting can be tempting, a well-thought-out premise solidifies a writer's vision, transforming abstract ideas into a cohesive and compelling story. And here's an insider tip for those new to the craft: In a saturated market where originality is paramount, a robust premise can make your work stand out. When an agent or publisher can discern the clarity of your vision from the outset, you're already a step ahead. So, invest time in your premise. It's not just about starting your story right; it's about setting the stage for the story's resonance to others, but firstly to you as the writer.



copyright ownership: Cassie Newell