How to Find Story Ideas

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You're ready to write that short story or novel you've been eager to start, but there's one problem: you're not sure what to write about. Don't worry—ideas for incredible stories are all around you if you know where to look. To help you out, we've put together all kinds of different ways you can find great story ideas when you need a little inspiration.

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Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting Inspired by the Online World

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  1. The news can inspire many ideas, especially if the news items provoke feelings of joy, anger, annoyance, compassion, and so on.
    • Bookmark or keep copies of news items that you like, for future reference.
  2. You can find plenty of topics that you would have never thought of by searching websites, search engines and article sites.
    • Look for listicles which list many different things for each topic of interest to you.
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  3. Go to your country's archives to find films about the past as a great source of historic inspiration.
  4. It's the place where people expose their most hidden issues they wouldn't even reveal to their spouses or parents. You can read psychological or material issues you would never think people can have. Search on the site using keywords, you will find some stories related to yours. Only focus on the questions; the answers are far less interesting.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Finding Your Own Story Ideas

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  1. Do you see anything with a story behind it? Like that necklace grandma gave you, or the blue ribbon for the soccer tournament? Put that story down on paper.
  2. [1] For example, if you live in a nature filled place, take a look at the leaves and how they sway in the wind and those small, delicate butterflies that flutter from flower to flower. Writing down notes of what you see, touch, taste, hear and smell will help you on the road to coming up with a new story idea.
  3. It may seem strange, but you never know where doing this might lead by way of a character leading a curious life. If there aren't people around, try Googling up pictures of random people and using them instead.
    Judy Blume, Writer

    Draw inspiration from observation. "Observe. Make notes. Listen carefully. Listen to how people talk to one another. A good writer is always a people watcher."

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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Finding Other Ideas

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  1. When you read a book, watch a movie alone or view videos on YouTube, take the habit to pause at the most confusing moment. At this moment, try to guess the following. Search as many versions as possible. When you resume the story, your version is sometimes more original than the official ending. It's not plagiarism if the idea is different. You can also adapt your new ending to your story, change the names, the place. Eventually, it will be a completely different story.
  2. Sometimes, you see a trailer movie and you think "Wow! This concept is so original!" You go to see the movie and you discover that the concept is completely another one... Don't be frustrated! It means that you have found an original idea! Don't lose it.
  3. Find a striking and interesting article that catches your eye, and write about it.
  4. Snippets of conversation can be incorporated into your story.
  5. [5] How does the song make you feel? Happy? Sad? Write about a character you can create from these lyrics, or just write about how it makes you feel.
  7. Incorporate your favorite band or singer into it and write about their crazy, funny or sad antics. You could write about your interpretation of how a certain song came to be. There are many fan-fiction websites that you can then post your story on, and get reviews.
  8. Flip through the pages and see what you find. Embarrassing moments? Incorporate them into a story. Problem/help pages in the magazine? You can use one of those problems for your characters' problem(s) and complications.
  9. Imagine what their name is, who they are, their life story etc. Write about who they really are.
  10. Or you could write an auto-biography!
  11. You can't expect to use your full writing potential by writing on pre-scribbled paper with a really crummy pen, can you?
  12. ).
  13. Make a mind map. Mind maps are great for organizing information about characters and events, especially if you are more of a visual person.
  14. TV can actually bring inspiring ideas to mind. Study the people on the commercials, and think of their life after the commercial has passed.
  15. Was it a certain type of character or a setting? Try incorporating similar elements into your own story.Just be sure you don't plagiarize, if you plan on showing your story to others.
  16. Look through previous entries. Find something in there that you can incorporate into your story.
  17. Basically, you write non-stop for 10-20 minutes, writing about whatever comes to mind. Don't make corrections as you write, and just keep writing, even if you have to write, 'I don't know what to write' until you can write something else.
  18. This is a really good writing activity that can strike up ideas with your friends or family when bored. (- denotes a new line). Grab a piece of paper, and write three lines about something (eg. Once upon a time, there lived a bird - named Andy. Andy loved fishing, because - he loved eating). Then fold the first two lines so only the third line is visible (e.g he loved eating) and then pass it to another person to continue. (e.g he loved eating walnuts- in the summer breeze. Suddenly- a huge beast from the) Keep continuing this until the page is filled. When you read back what you have wrote, you will most likely be having fits of laughter; it's very amusing.
  19. How did it affect you? Did it have a lasting impression, or even impact? Jot down your thoughts and try crafting a story from that.
    • If you had an awesome adventure or a special event that had an impact on your life, you could use this as a story idea.
    • You could also try going back to some childhood activities you used to do. Getting in touch with your past self is a way to understand your motivations and to remind yourself of why you started writing in the first place. [7]
  20. The plotlines for numerous famous stories and novels were hatched in the dreams of their author's. It may seem unlikely, but your dream could become a bestseller someday!
    • Keeping a journal and pen on your night stand right before you go to sleep is helpful. If you have an insane dream that you must write down, grab your journal and start writing.
    • The dreams don't have to be recent. They can also be ones that you remember from your childhood or many moons ago.
  21. Always carry a small notebook or a handheld computer with you so whenever inspiration strikes, you will be ready to record it and always have ideas for stories. Remember, you might not use a paragraph that you have written now, but who knows, in ten years time it might turn out to be the perfect ending for a story of yours.
  22. For example: a secret diary, a squishy banana and a sneaky babysitter. Take your three phrases or words and try to make a story out of it. You'll never know how it will turn out if you don't try!
  23. The type of story you choose to write about must be developed around a certain genre and is the most important part of coming up with a story. Whether it's a romance, teen fiction or a thriller, selecting the genre may be a good source of inspiration for more ideas.
  24. I remember an author visited my primary school and was talking to us about a new novel he wrote (I forget his name and what it's called!). He said he was just sitting down at a cafe (I think) with a notebook and pen in his hand, thinking of something to write... when he came up with the idea of a boy who never knew what to write, until he borrowed a strange pen off a boy who was an excellent writer, and when he used that pen his writing became very different.
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  • Question
    How can I find a great idea for my book?
    Community Answer
    Try reading more books. Spend time listening to music and pay attention to the lyrics. Sit down with a notebook, and write everything that comes to your mind.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How do I write my own story and not copy someone else's?
    Community Answer
    Think of an original and interesting idea. Come up with characters, environments, and an interesting storyline. Discover what the conflict will be, or what the main objective of certain characters are. A good story will always have likable characters and complexity to it. You must be creative.
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      Tips

      • When using a computer or laptop, it's a good idea to back up all of your stories and story ideas just in case your computer crashes (or you accidentally delete your files).
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      • Write story titles and then a quick plot on what you want to happen. Then, later on when you have ideas, see what fits with that plot.
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      Warnings

      • Don't stare at your paper or computer screen for too long hoping to get ideas. Instead, do things, such as taking a walk or reading a book. Good ideas pop up when you're least expecting it!
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      Things You'll Need

      • A laptop or computer (optional)
      • A notebook and pen

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      References

      1. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
      2. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
      3. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
      4. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
      5. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
      6. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
      7. ↑ Lydia Stevens. Author & Developmental Editor. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.

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