The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage or Fiction

Write Stories That Could Actually Sell

Most writing books focus on structure, scenes, dialogue, and execution.

But long before those things matter, a more fundamental question must be answered:

Is the idea itself strong enough?

Many writers spend months—or years—developing stories with hidden weaknesses. Problems with the concept, stakes, originality, emotional connection, or audience appeal often don't become obvious until deep into the writing process—or after the script or manuscript is finished.

The Idea takes a different approach.

Drawing on Emmy-winning writer-producer Erik Bork's experience in film and television, the book identifies seven essential elements found in stories that succeed commercially and creatively.

Together, these elements form the acronym PROBLEM:

• Punishing
• Relatable
• Original
• Believable
• Life-Altering
• Entertaining
• Meaningful

Through examples, analysis, and practical guidance, you'll learn how to evaluate your own ideas before investing months of work in them—and how to strengthen concepts that aren't yet reaching their full potential.

Whether you write screenplays, novels, television pilots, plays, or other narrative forms, The Idea provides a framework for identifying story problems early and building projects with a stronger chance of connecting with audiences.

Most screenwriting books tend to focus on story structure, scene writing, navigating the business, and other parts of the craft that come AFTER the initial choice of the central concept for a story.

Erik Bork is an Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning writer-producer whose credits include HBO's Band of Brothers and From the Earth to the Moon. He has written for major studios including Warner Bros., Universal and HBO, teaches screenwriting, and consults with writers worldwide on story development.