Hey there!
I’ve spoken to a few people who would just love to write a book. But they have no idea what to write about! And I think a fair share of us have that problem. What hasn’t been written about already?
Well, I’ve gathered a few tips to help us all out!
First things first, let’s acknowledge that coming up with a completely original idea is a tall order. There are only so many plots out there but, that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own spin on things and create something that feels fresh and exciting.
Here are a few things you can think about when brainstorming for your story:
Draw from your own experiences – Think about the things you’ve gone through in your life. Maybe you had a particularly interesting job, or maybe you’ve traveled to a place that not many people have been to. Use these experiences as a starting point for your story. Even if your plot ends up being completely different from your own life, drawing from your own experiences can add an extra layer of authenticity to your writing.
Mash up genres – Maybe you love romance novels, but you’re also a big fan of horror movies. Why not combine the two and create a romantic horror story? Or maybe you’re into sci-fi and historical fiction. Mash those up and see what happens! Combining genres can lead to some truly unique and interesting stories.
Use writing prompts – There are a ton of writing prompts out there on the internet. They can be a great jumping-off point for your own story. Even if you don’t end up using the prompt directly, it can spark some ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. I used a prompt from a writing course that had just been completed to fuel the idea for my debut novel.
Look to other cultures – Sometimes the most unique stories come from exploring other cultures. Take some time to research a culture that you’re not familiar with and see if there are any stories or myths that you could draw inspiration from.
Play the “what if” game – This is a classic writing exercise. Start with a simple question like “What if a person could fly?” and see where it takes you. Keep asking “what if” questions and follow the rabbit hole as far as it goes. You never know what kind of story you might come up with.
Remember, there’s no one “right” way to come up with an idea. The most important thing is to keep an open mind and be willing to explore new ideas.
Do you have a special way to get your creative juices flowing? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy writing!
