If you’re wondering how you can come up with a new—or even your first story idea, you’re in the right place. I know searching for a story idea can be so difficult. I’ve also experienced those hardships, especially if I’m not in the mood to write.
Some authors say only amateurs wait for inspiration. Professionals work with whatever they have. But I disagree. I think it’s not fair to shame people who don't write unless they've got inspiration. Writers have different styles and methods.
It’s okay not to come up with ideas often, don’t beat yourself for it. Luckily, I’ve gained ways to come up with story ideas over the years, and they only get better.
1. Think about a character or more
It’s often when we want to write a story, we don’t have a full picture of it. We only have partial images, sometimes there’s nothing at all. If this thing happens to you, try thinking about a character. I recommend one character at a time, but you can come up with more.
Ask yourself, what kind of character do you like? Do you want your character to be a hero, or do you want your character to be a villain? Think about their basic personality traits and characteristics, like hair and eye colors. From that, give them basic personalities. It doesn’t need to be complicated; you will understand your characters more as you start plotting or drafting.
Done with basic traits and characteristics? Give your characters some motivations! This is important if you start planning a story by creating characters first. Think about what would make them jump into their journey instead of staying at home all day? Why would they want to endure those hardships if they could avoid them? What do they want to achieve?
But wait, don’t make it easy for them! Give them struggles, don’t give them what they want, give them what they need.
2. Think about places
This was one of my favorite steps to come up with story ideas. It’s easy and fun. Besides, I can write anything I want as a pantser without worrying about things beforehand.
Got a place or an atmosphere that you like? Is it a beautiful beach with mountains that surround it? But is the beach … cursed? Write any place you like! There’s always a spot for another haunted house story and other classic settings in fiction.
The problem I got with this step is, it’s hard to navigate the story. What to do after building your story world?
But don’t worry, it’s not always like that. In fact, for many years, I liked to use this method. Right now, I prefer to start with characters first, then move on to the setting aka the place. It makes things so much easier. Try the combination!
3. Write poems
Still can’t figure out an idea? Try writing random poems. Poems can summon your creativity demons. They also can make your prose more fluid the more you write them.
I rarely write poems, but it usually helps me to get started with my writing once I do it. More than that, it sets the mood for me. I’m not quite experienced in it, but I’ve heard writers like to write random poems to get inspiration.
Need a poem inspiration? Read Edgar Allan Poe’s “Black Cat”—my ultimate favorite horror poem!
4. Mixing up your ideas
This is the most interesting tip. If you’ve got one idea, try mixing it up with other stories’ elements. Let’s say you have an idea about an island that’s been cursed for a hundred years. Good. What’s next? Think about a story you like, it can be from any genre, it can be a novel, a movie—anything you like.
I was thinking about The Tale of Two Sisters, a Korean horror movie that disturbed me years ago. The story is about two sisters who came back to their childhood house. In that isolated house, they learned about their dark history.
Now, let’s mix that into our first idea: two sisters trapped on a cursed island. But I don't want them to learn about their dark history. I want to destroy their relationship. Throw in some circumstances which make them question the nature of their relationship. Boom! A story idea. And darn it, I like the idea.
Try mixing your own, thank me later.
5. Read stories
Another tip you can try is reading stories in your genre, or even trying some from outside your genre. Reading books stimulates your brain. Not only that, by reading, you also learn better writing techniques like pacing or describing the atmosphere.
Just don’t get caught up too much. I’ve heard a lot of writers end up forgetting their projects in the process. Try reading one book at a time, then write.
6. Write any idea, don’t wait for it to be perfect
Last but not least is my ultimate advice. Never wait for a story idea to get perfect. There’s no perfect idea anyway. Just write, don’t be afraid.
Not sure how to start writing a novel? Read my guide here.
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