Book ideas don’t always come easy. I’ve definitely been in situations where I’ve felt this desire and yearning to write, but haven’t actually been able to put anything worthwhile on the page.
I’m sure you can relate.
Sometimes we get a little idea here and there, but it’s not quite enough content for a novel. So how does one generate story ideas-whether it be for a book or just to move past writer’s block and write the next scene?
Here are some of the ways I’ve been able to combat this writing obstacle over the years:
1) I have a process
I love myself a good process-whether it be for outlining, maintaining a writing schedule… or in this case, generating story ideas.
The process I use to create new ideas on the spot is actually quite simple. I think of an idea, or concept, or person that I find interesting in some way… and I put a unique twist on it.
Because, if we break down every book ever written… that’s exactly how it’s done.
The truth is that no book idea is truly unique. It’s usually a single idea merged with another idea, or a number of other ideas, to create a new idea. Those other ideas are simply the twists.
Like Harry Potter-which in it’s bare bones is about a boy going to boarding school but with magic.
Or Twilight, which is a love story but with vampires.
All you need to do is come up with a concept, and then add “but with” and finish the sentance.
Boom. You’re in business!
Grab My 4-Step Story Starter Worksheet
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2) I know how to seek inspiration
Inspiration is all around us at any given time-you just have to be more aware of it.
It’s easy to get inspired by new experiences, destinations, or people we meet-and if we’re not enriching our lives by stepping out of our comfort zones more often, these inspirations are harder to come by. But not impossible.
You can find inspiration in everything you do every single day of your life.
Your work colleagues can inspire you-what kind of people are they? What if you put a twist on their life?
What’s the town you live in like? What would make it more interesting?
What do you love to do on a daily basis? What if that seemingly ordinary thing had a magic twist, or secret concept?
If you start paying attention to everything you encounter, you’re bound to find a new idea sooner rather than later.
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Written by Pagan Malcolm
Pagan is a copywriter and business coach helping writers understand the business side of publishing so that they can become serious authors.
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