I belong to several writing groups/communities and there are always folks who are stuck in their writing process. Whether it’s writer’s block in the middle of their novel draft, looking for original ideas for their next blog post, or just becoming stuck finding something that gets them excited to write.
I’m not usually one of those people and I think I know why. Because I’ve found lots of different ways to find inspiration for new stories, characters and settings.
My first published domestic suspense book, When Love Won’t Die, came from a compilation of human relationships and very distinct character types. I asked myself, “What if…” and boom, an idea was born. The same focus on character fueled my second not yet published suspense/thriller, Amorous Obsession.
My current novel, (which I’m querying), They’re Watching, was born out of a random, yet somewhat eerie encounter on a road trip where both travelers had the same reaction. This time, the location became the fodder for my ideas.
My newest WIP, a ghost story with the working title, Dear Aunt Jane, was inspired by a character’s circumstances in a recent suspense/thriller I read, and several articles that came up from a google search I did.
So where are some great places to get inspiration?
* Writing prompts.
Search for creative writing prompts online
https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/creative-writing-prompts-for-writers
* Music
I prefer instrumental music for mood/atmosphere, but for those who write
romance, you can’t go wrong listening to love songs
* Travel
A great way to pick a location, or characters based on the locals
* People Watching
Go sit on a boardwalk or in a café and observe character traits, physical descriptions,
and language/slang for your next character(s)
* Movies
See what types of stories appeal to you and create your own unique story
* Read
Not only in your preferred genre, but in a wide variety of genres/authors
* Personal circumstances
Change names, change details, take one situation and expand it to create a
whole new narrative
* Brainstorm
Alone and with other readers/writers/friends. What are people talking about?
* Pictures/Images
Whether it’s pictures on your phone, or images online, find one that sparks your
imagination
* What if?
This little question has been a major inspiration to me throughout all my years
as a writer. It can be as simple as looking outside and seeing someone walk by
and say, “What if that person has a secret that could destroy their family?”, or
“What if that abandoned building was haunted?”
You get the idea.
Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to look.