startwriting

It is so frustrating for a writer when they sit there and stare at the computer screen with nothing to write about.  What do you do when you’ve exhausted every story idea you have? You start looking toward outside sources for inspiration.

People watching is a great way to come up with ideas. Sit in a public place and watch people interact around you. They may seem to be doing something ordinary, but a writer knows differently. The question “what if” unlocks a world of possible stories around you.  Make up a story about what is going on in their lives.

Next, turn to the local pages in the newspaper. Search through stories, obituaries, even advertisements. Ask “what if” about anything that seems remotely interesting to you.

Lastly, make up a character.  Write a complete character sketch about them.  What do they eat?  What color is their hair, their eyes and their car?  You need to know everything about this new character.  Now what situation can you put them in that would be interesting?  If you have a shy person, make them have to overcome it for some reason - a job promotion, to save their life or to save a small planet.  If you character is patient, put them in a situation that tests that patience to the limit.

New story ideas are out there; you just have to be diligent in finding them.

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