As a writer, being stuck staring at a blank page, desperately searching for that ‘mind-blowing’ book concept is exhausting. Many find themselves grappling with the challenge of coming up with an idea that’s both unique and engaging. It can be daunting especially when you hear advices like “ideas are everywhere.” Easier said than done, right?
But don’t worry, with the right approach, you can unlock many potential story ideas and be ready to write your book.
Your Life Experiences
Always write what you know.
Whoever said that was a genius because your personal experiences, whether extraordinary adventures or ordinary daily life, are a goldmine for book ideas. Drawing from your own life brings a unique authenticity to your writing that resonates deeply with readers. It can a small interaction you had with a stranger at the coffee shop or a road trip you took with your friends.
These experiences can be the foundation for compelling characters, engaging plots, or insightful non-fiction explorations. Remember, even the most mundane details can be transformed into extraordinary storytelling when viewed through a writer’s lens.
Try Writing Prompts
Writing prompts can be a fantastic way to jumpstart your creativity. They’re like little idea starters that can help you come up with amazing stories.
A writing prompt can be anything from a simple word or phrase to a whole scene. The key is to let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you be it fictional or non-fictional. Even if the idea doesn’t work out, it can lead to something else entirely.
News and Current Events
It’s a weird way to get inspiration, we know but news is full of potential book concepts that you couldn’t even know could happen. From global events to small town happenings, there’s always something interesting going on.
- A strange news story: Maybe there was a report about a lost dog who showed up years later. Write a story about what happened to the dog in the meantime.
- A trending topic: If everyone’s talking about climate change, you could write a science fiction book about a world without ice.
- A local mystery: Unsolved crimes or strange happenings in your area can inspire a mystery or thriller novel.
Even the little things can be a starting point. Check out your local newspaper or online news for those quirky stories that might catch your eye. Who knows, you might find the inspiration for your next bestseller.
Travel
Travelling is more than just fun; it’s like opening a window into a whole new world. Seeing how other people live, what they believe, and the challenges they face can really shake things up in your brain.
Explore a bustling city market, taste strange foods, or hike through a breathtaking jungle. All those sights, sounds, and smells can spark amazing ideas for your writing. You might meet characters who inspire a whole new story, or discover a setting so cool you can’t wait to use it. Even your airport experience can fill your imagination with a new book concept.
Reimage a Classic
Ever read a classic story and thought, ‘What if…?‘ Well, that’s a great starting point for a book idea. Retelling classic tales or public domain stories is a fun way to come up with new book ideas. You can take a famous story like Cinderella and turn it into a sci-fi adventure. Or retell Romeo and Juliet as a modern-day high school drama. The possibilities are endless.
By putting a new spin on an old tale you can create something fresh and exciting. You can keep the main characters and plot, or change them completely. Remember, it’s okay to get inspired by other people’s work. Just make sure to put your own unique spin on it.
Don’t Stress Too Much About Ideas
You might be surprised to hear this, but the perfect book concept isn’t everything. Sure, it’s important to have a spark to ignite your story, but what truly sets a book apart is the writer’s skill. Lots of people have great ideas. But it’s the writer who can take a simple idea and turn it into something extraordinary. Imagine combining zombies with a Jane Austen-style romance – it sounds crazy, right? But in the right hands, it could be a bestseller.
So, don’t stress too much about finding the perfect idea. Focus on honing your craft. With enough skill, you can publish even the most ordinary concept.
