It's common to think about the world around you when you need writing ideas. But you don't want to neglect yourself in the process. YOU have millions of ideas waiting in the wings, if you top to think about it.
Category: Lightning Strikes (Inspiration)
We all know writers can get ideas from anything – this just proves it
Movies: A Gold Mine for Writing Ideas
Who doesn't get swept up when they're sitting in the dark at the theatre? (Or on the couch) The action and impeccable line delivery of our favorite movies often spark ideas for our writing. But if you're only focusing on the PLOT, you're missing a minefield of inspiration.
Why I’m Obsessed with Hermit Crab Essays (And You Will Be, Too)
Have you ever wanted to say something in a form OTHER than the basic paragraph layout? Or come across a form, advertisement, poster, instruction list that sent your creative wheels spinning? Then you need an introduction to hermit crab essays. These genius pieces of creative non-fiction are the perfect out-of-the-box tool for any writer.
How to Use Conversations to Spark Story Ideas
Yes, most writers are introverts and prefer to hide out from the general public. But if you're willing to venture outside, the conversations you overhear might prompt story ideas you wouldn't otherwise encounter. It's worth the risk you might have to engage with another human being.
All the Print…
The news is (insert your favorite descriptor here). Most of the time, you're better off avoiding it altogether. But if you approach the dreaded topic as a source of inspiration for your writing, it takes on a new cast. And I'm challenging you to look at things differently than the obvious.
Fan Favorite
Everyone finds themselves intrigued by and fanning over SOMETHING. Before you know it, you've purchased every book in a series, watched every movie, and collected every piece of memorabilia you can lay your fingers on. And - if you're a writer - you might have dabbled at playing around in the world. Fan fiction's one of the best ways to job you're writing brain. And you never know when it'll lead you to the next best idea.
Hear it “Write”
Everyone's imaginations work differently. And that's a good thing! How else could you end up with so many retellings of the same plot? The same can work if you "look" at sounds. Ask for a description from a group of random people, and you'll never get the same description. Therein lies a potential source of inspiration for your work.
What Do You Meme?
If you spend ANY time on social media, you come across memes. And they span the spectrum from serious to hilarious. People share them for different reasons, and you're probably the same. But have you ever noticed a meme catching your eye? Something starts your writing brain going. And you should LET it. Because it doesn't matter where you get your inspiration, as long as something fantastic comes of it.
Cue it Up
"Music tames the wild beast." It also gets the creative process moving when you find yourself trapped in a bind. Something about the delicate rhythm (or lack of rhythm) appeals to the imagination - with or without the influence of lyrics.
Out THERE
Writers are most comfortable holed up in front of their writing machine of choice. However, you can't deny the beauty of the natural world. And I'm not talking about looking up images on search engines, either.