I get this question a lot. Are you an aspiring writer? Have you run out of ideas or are most of your stories eerily similar to stories in other books? You need to learn to tap into your inner genius and find the magic that creates stories we can’t get enough of.
Inspiration comes from many sources; the things that bother us (like people who miss the bin when they try to throw their trash in and just leave it there. Yuck!), the things that make us happy (like ice cream. Yay!) and the things that hurt us (like meeting children who cannot read because no one taught them).
The best stories are born out of strong feelings. Do you feel strongly about anything? What do you want to talk about? What can’t you stop talking about? Well, a story makes sure that for years, people are going to keep hearing your opinion and even discussing it without you needing to repeat yourself over and over. Isn’t that cool? I can talk without saying another word. I think that’s amazing!
A story is more than a narration of events. It is the journey of a hero to achieve a clearly stated goal while overcoming the obstacles in his path.
Sources of Inspiration
- Memorable events like travel, arguments with your best friend, winning a race, moving to a new school and so on.
- A loss like the passing of a close family member or friend.
- Annoying things like siblings who borrow your stuff without asking, people who leave hair in the sink (yuck!), rain on the day you planned an outing, parents changing their minds at the last minute about something you were looking forward to, etc.
- Things you want to change in the world like starving kids, homelessness, out-of-school kids, bullying, drug abuse and kidnapping.
- Things you enjoy doing like racing, hiking, swimming, board games, cooking, etc.
Now pick one that you feel most strongly about and ask yourself some ‘what if’ questions.
- What if a boy wanted to become a swimmer but was born with a disease that makes it difficult to hold your breath under water?
- What if a girl’s grandma died on the eve of her prom?
- What if a 7-year-old found a map that leads to the hiding place of the world’s most wanted terrorist on a family trip to China?
Did you see what I did there? I merged more than one of the ideas I shared above into each ‘what if’ question. ‘What if’ questions are a great way to come up with a story idea. All you have to do is follow the thread and see where it leads.
I can’t wait to read something you’ve written. Get your ink and feathers out (or your computer actually!) and get those creative juices flowing.
Let’s say our slogan together:
In this life, I will attain the greatness that is my DUE by being
Daring,
Unforgettable and
Exquisite!
Love,
Dr.N.
