Ideas for a story, character, plot, etc are everywhere; waiting for you to pluck it for your book. Sometimes, they are hidden and make you work for them which is okay because that makes it fun. Living a life outside of writing is a must because that is where we draw our inspiration. Of course, we are writers 24-7, it is something that doesn't "shut off". We are writers just as we are humans.
I've compiled a list of 10 places where you can find ideas and inspiration for your current project or a future book. There are way more than 10, so if I leave something out where you've discovered inspiration please comment below for more.
Thank you!!!
Reading a book. I love asking "what if" when doing things. When I'm reading something and I think it could have turned out differently, I'll ask myself what if that person did this or that? You can do that too. There is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from another story. Just don't steal the story. You can even twist in a different genre for the story's idea making it totally different!
Watching a movie. The same question applies. "What if" can be used for everything, by the way lol.
Your personal life--the people you know. Someone you know did something bizarre, beautiful, or just plain ugly. You can take that event and write a story around it. Or you can use a friend as a character. James Bond's name came from the author's friend! Believe it or not, your life is not boring, something at some point can be used in a book! You can also write a story about that event in your personal life. You can fictionalize just about anything!
Places like a store. Watch people around you, and pay attention to details. You never know when you'll see something or someone who will catch your eye. Even a sign by the stack of potatoes can be inspiring. Don't forget to ask "what if". The airport is a good place to visit and "hang out" for inspiration. Everyone knows Walmart can get weird people visiting. Other great "stores" would be the zoo, circus, any grocery store, smaller stores are good choices too, and the list goes on. Basically, keep your eyes and mind open at all times!
The clouds. Yes, even the clouds. They have shapes. Maybe one of those shapes will trigger something. So, don't be afraid to daydream while looking at the sky!
Your actual dreams make great idea starters. Keep a tablet on your night stand, so when you wake up from the dream you'll have something to write on. Jot down everything you can remember about the dream. Even if you don't use all of those details, it's a good idea to write it all down. You can divide the details among other stories!
People are always bringing inspiration if you're paying attention. Easedrop without being noticed. Pay attention to how things are said. You can add in your own backstory for the two women arguing about the artichokes lol. That's just an example.
Draw in from things you love. A favorite passtime, favorite places to visit, etc. If you love witches, think of something you'd love to see a witch do. Have fun with it. Mix in some other details, combining them to make one idea.
The internet is filled with ideas. Some websites even have writing prompts. Save those pages, sign up for their emails, and enjoy them. You can take the prompt as is or twist it to fit what you write. Say the prompt is for a mystery but you write romance. You can take the initial idea and flip things around so it works for your romance story.
Ask your friends, neighbors, or even your readers. People like being part of the process, esp if they're names are being used as the character. Ask, "what kind of story would you like to read about?" and take it from there.
That's what I got. Enjoy!
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