Often writers struggle with where to start and how to get story ideas. But there are ways to feed your creative muse when she’s starving, grumpy, and not giving you anything.
For me, how to get story ideas isn’t a problem–I’ve devoted a blog to giving away free writing prompts. Instead, I sometimes struggle with which idea to pursue. So many ideas… so little time… When I can’t decide, I go with whatever premise feels best developed and excites me the most.
But there are ways to generate plot ideas when suffering from writer’s block or a story that’s stalled mid-way and you can’t figure out where to take it next. Gosh, I hate when that happens! So, don’t despair. Story ideas are out there, waiting for you to bring them to life.
Here are some unique methods on how to get story ideas:
1.) Go on a Walk & Talk.
One of the best ways to generate story ideas is to get away from the screen and do something else. Many ideas have come to me during my daily walk in the park. Whether alone or with Joe or one of my walking buddies, moving my feet gets my creative gears moving, too.
Today, for example, we passed by two people in the middle of a conversation. One said to the other, “I went to the app and found out he…”
We didn’t hear the rest of her statement, but we wanted the scoop on what she discovered about him on the app. No, we didn’t know these people, and it’s not stalking unless you follow them home, silly. But sometimes, you overhear something that catches your attention. It reminded us of Married at First Sight when some of the spouses have continued with their dating apps despite, hello, being married. We spent many steps later speculating other answers that might fit both the app and the discovery…
- I went to the app and found out he… owns pet snakes and tarantulas. Swipe left.
- I went to the app and found out he… spent three-hundred dollars on lingerie at Victoria’s Secret, and my birthday’s not until January.
- I went to the app and found out he… was streaming on Twitch instead of working a shift at the sausage processing plant, as he said.
- I went to the app and found out he… hasn’t posted anything since last week. I’m worried something’s happened to him.
Overhearing snips of people’s conversations, like this one, feeds the muse. So, for how to get story ideas, LISTEN.
2.) Turn trash to (story) treasure.
Create a story around an unusual item from a thrift or antique store—a playful mug, an odd knickknack, a picture frame with a personal photo still inside, or a weird devil with angel wings. Give it a troublesome but alluring history. Make it haunted or cursed.
Or give a thrift store find positive, magical qualities. A book with a handwritten note inside. A good luck charm. An inspiring piece of art.
Or get your story started with a cheap find that ends up being valuable. Here are some amazing stories of thrift store trash being real treasures.
Using something unique for inspiration gives your muse a focal point; sometimes, that’s all you need to generate story ideas.
3.) Get out your magnifying glass, Miss Marple.
Pull out an old picture album. Examine the background scenery, objects, homes, and strangers. Use something from the background in your story. Workshop a scene where something/someone in the background of your story takes center stage. What stands out that didn’t before?
Now, if you’re manuscript has stalled, pick a scene that needs… IDK… something. Let something in the scene’s background jazz up the action.
For example, imagine a simple dinner date. A busy restaurant and a young, perhaps first-date couple all dressed up and nervous. Then, enter the bumbling waiter, irate customer, or marriage proposal at the table next door. How might one of these heighten, detour, or enhance your couple’s date?
Noticing what’s in the background might provide the action to move your story forward.
4.) Change the channel.
If you’re looking for ideas to start or supercharge your story, then read, watch, or listen to something you wouldn’t usually enjoy. Or maybe something you’d never, ever, ever pick.
I know, I know. We all have our comforts in entertainment. Mysteries are my go-to in books, shows, and movies. We love our genre-comfort-blankets.
BUT SNAP OUT OF IT. When we’re stuck on how to get story ideas, inspiration can spring from the most unusual places. Branching out with your entertainment creates a mental mood for new ideas.
For example…
I generally HATE reality shows. But as a joke, really, and for lack of anything new and interesting to watch (Thank you, Covid-19), I started season nine of Married at First Sight on Netflix. I cringe telling you that. I picked it because the season took place in Charlotte, NC–close to home. If nothing else, I thought I might enjoy the familiar scenery.
Well, we got hooked. You can learn a lot about people (and your characters) from watching reality shows. I not only enjoyed the different personality types, but also how they meshed together. Conflict. Romance. Drama. Comedy. There were all those things–all ingredients for a good story, too.
So, it also gave me story ideas (of course, right?).
- Like, a story about a reality TV star who must reassimilate into the real world after humiliating himself on TV.
- Or like, a couple finding love on TV only for it to vanish when the cameras are off.
- Or like, the reality TV jerk who ruins any chance for love, respect, and happiness because, well, everyone knows he’s a jerk.
- Or like, a story about how putting oneself in the spotlight could draw both good and bad attention. An obsessed fan. An old boyfriend/girlfriend. An applicant who didn’t make the cut. There are soooo many ways reality TV could turn into a real-life mystery or horror show or murder.
- Or perhaps, like a reality show’s consulting psychiatrist who breaks all the rules by falling in love with a contestant. Or stalking. Or murdering.
Geez, these ideas are sounding more and more like Lifetime movies… which is fine. *shrug*
So, if you typically like romances, read sci-fi. If you generally don’t get into educational TV, watch a documentary. If you usually don’t read scary stories, try some Stephen King (that’s me right now, and I’m enjoying him). Get out of your genre-comfort-zone to inspire new thoughts and ideas for your stories and characters.
What are you watching, reading, or listening to that’s inspired new ideas? Please, tell me in the comments! Need good entertainment. Yikes!
5.) Learn a book!
I love this SNL skit featuring Cecily Strong as The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with where she says, “Learn a book!” I often repeat the phrase to my daughter when she’s bored. Like Cecily’s character, my daughter rarely reads anything outside social media.
For how to get story ideas, take Cecily’s advice. That’s not to say… steal other writers’ ideas. But reading naturally encourages story thoughts. Consider books smelling salts to rouse your muse from slumber.
If you want to write a mystery, reading other mysteries will focus your attention and set the mood for penning your own. Graphic novels have encouraged story ideas for my anti-hero ADAM in my work-in-progress. Likewise, reading nonfiction relating to the type of novel you wish to write should generate plot ideas. Read books on black holes and planets if you’re writing the next space odyssey. For a medieval romance, read books about the time period. Books on poisons and psychology feed my mystery muse–she loves it! Yum, yum.
Reading books also generates character development ideas. A person’s library reveals a lot about them and what they’re interested in, so what’s your character reading? Try these quick questions:
- Is your main character into self-help books? I’m a sucker for them! If she’s a sucker for self-improvement like me, what is she trying to improve in her life? Is it working? (Probably not)
- Does she enjoy other nonfiction? Autobiographies, memoirs, tell-alls? Or is she learning about something like infectious diseases, How to Read a North Carolina Beach, Investing for Dummies, Eat, Pray, Love.
- Is fiction her jam? If yes, get as detailed with this as you can. There are so many genres these days: here’s an awesome list to choose from. In other words, don’t just say she likes romance novels… say she likes sports romances or holiday romances. Whatever your character reads, make it reflect who she is and what she wants in life.
- What about magazines? They aren’t obsolete yet! Besides, you can read him electronically now.
- Go a little strange… maybe she likes reading technical manuals before bed or the police blotter in her local paper… maybe the obituaries.
So, what’s on your MC’s bedside table or on her bookshelf? What does it tell readers about her? And what story ideas might books generate for you? I have an entire list of Bookish Writing Prompts if your muse needs more.
Besides, it’s good to study what you hope to accomplish, right?
6.) Be a people watcher.
Okay, it sounds creepy. But in public, people are fair game for observation, and the muse loves playing witness. You already use your family and friends as fodder for your muse; why not use strangers, too?
The beach is an especially fun place to people watch.
So, is a coffee shop. Notice anything interesting about this pic?
Mannerisms, moods, interactions–paying attention to the world around you is one of the best methods to get story ideas. While watching people’s body language, ask yourself questions about them. That’s how I kill time while waiting for my food to come at a restaurant. I observe nearby tables and play twenty questions. Are they on a date? A work lunch? Are they family? She keeps tucking her hair behind her ear–is she nervous? Flirting? Why does the man seem bothered? Uh, oh, he’s checking his watch again.
- What if… she thinks this is a nice lunch out with her new boyfriend while he’s gathering his courage to break up with her?
- What if… she’s been hoping her boss would take her to lunch and reward her for her excellent work on their last project, only he’s barely said two words, and she can tell something’s wrong.
- What if… it’s been forever since her husband treated her to lunch. Maybe he’s finally making an effort like their therapist suggested. She orders wine, determined to enjoy their date. But that’s when she sees it–he’s not wearing his ring.
For how to get story ideas, watch people and ask what if.
7.) Subscribe and thrive (with story ideas).
Shameless plug…. but make your muse happy by giving her plenty of writing material, and never miss another free idea by signing up for my blog.
What’s the worst that could happen? Ha… another good question to ask for generating story ideas!
What’re your tips on how to get story ideas? Share below!
