Let’s be honest—sometimes inspiration just won’t come, no matter how long you stare at a blank page. And while Pinterest is great for mood boards, it won’t magically write your story for you.
So, where else can you find fresh, exciting ideas?
Good news: inspiration is everywhere—you just need to know where to look. Here are 10 creative ways to spark new ideas and get your writing flowing again.
What are we going to talk about today?
1. Watch People, Find Stories
2. Get Ideas from Old Books
3. Let Music Inspire You
4. Write Down Your Dreams
5. Talk to Strangers
6. Use Art for Story Ideas
7. Explore History for Plots
8. Try Something New
9. Play with Writing Prompts
10. Embrace Silence and Daydream
Watch people, and the stories will come to you!
Next time you’re in a café, park, or on public transport, take a moment to observe the people around you. Notice how they hold their coffee cup, the way they check their phone, or the hesitation before they speak. Is that couple on their first date, or are they saying goodbye forever? Why does the old man on the bench stare at the same spot every day? Imagine their backstories, their secrets, their dreams.
One tiny detail—a nervous tic, a worn-out suitcase, a mismatched outfit—can spark an entire story.
Try writing a scene based on a real person you’ve observed, but with your own creative twist.
Get Ideas from Old Books
Classic literature is a goldmine of inspiration! Pick up a dusty old novel or collection of poems and dive into a different era. Notice the rich language, the unique character archetypes, and the timeless conflicts.
How would Pride and Prejudice play out in modern times? What if Moby Dick was set in space? Let these stories fuel your imagination—borrow a plot twist, reimagine a character, or set your next scene in a similar setting.
Sometimes the best way to create something new is to find a fresh angle on something old.
Let Music Inspire You
Songs are like tiny stories waiting to be expanded. Listen closely to the lyrics—what’s the story behind them? Who is the singer talking to? What happened before and after the moment captured in the song? Even instrumental music can set the mood for a scene.
Try writing a short piece based on a song’s emotions, imagining it as a movie soundtrack.
Create a playlist for your characters—what would they listen to? Let the rhythm, melody, and words guide your imagination and bring new ideas to life!
Write Down Your Dreams
Dreams are like a direct line to your subconscious mind, full of wild, unfiltered ideas. The next time you wake up, jot down whatever you remember—even if it seems nonsensical. Strange places, bizarre events, and unexpected encounters can lead to unique story ideas. Maybe your dream is set in a world where gravity doesn’t exist, or you’re having a conversation with a historical figure. Take the odd, dreamlike elements and build on them.
You might just find your next plot twist hidden in the depths of your night-time imagination! 🌙
Talk to Strangers
Sometimes, the best stories come from unexpected conversations. Striking up a chat with a stranger can give you a glimpse into someone else’s world. Ask them about their day, where they’re from, or even what they’re passionate about. You never know where the conversation will lead—maybe they’ll share a surprising anecdote, an interesting life experience, or an unusual perspective.
Take note of the little details—the way they speak, their body language, the emotions in their voice. You might just stumble upon a character or story idea that feels completely fresh!
Use Art for Story Ideas
Art is a window into a world of imagination, and it can spark endless story ideas.
Look at a painting, a sculpture, or even a photograph—what’s happening in the scene? Who are the characters, and what’s their story? Why is the scene set in that particular place?
Let the colors, shapes, and expressions guide you. You could write a story about what happens before or after the moment captured in the artwork, or even build a whole narrative around the emotions the piece evokes.
Art doesn’t just hang on the wall; it can be the beginning of your next big idea.
Explore History for Plots
History is full of untold stories just waiting to be discovered. Dive into different time periods, explore lesser-known events, and uncover fascinating details about people who lived through them.
Imagine how historical figures might have reacted to modern-day issues or what would happen if certain events played out differently.
Whether it’s a forgotten battle, a quirky inventor, or a mysterious figure, history offers a treasure trove of inspiration.
Use real events as the foundation for your story, or create an alternate history that blends fact with fiction. The past holds endless possibilities for your writing.
Try Something New
Sometimes the best way to spark creativity is to step out of your comfort zone. Try something you’ve never done before—take a different route to work, try a new hobby, or travel to a place you’ve never been. New experiences often lead to fresh ideas, and they can give you a different perspective on the world.
The people you meet, the sights you see, and the challenges you face can all inspire new characters, settings, or plot twists. Shake things up, and watch your creativity flow in unexpected ways!
Play with Writing Prompts
Writing prompts are like little seeds for your imagination. They might be simple, like “write about a letter that changes everything” or more complex, like “describe a world where time doesn’t exist.” Either way, they push you to think in new directions.
Don’t overthink it—just let your mind run wild! Play with different scenarios, genres, or settings, and see where it takes you. Even if the prompt doesn’t lead to your next novel, it might help you discover a character or idea that sparks something bigger.
Embrace Silence and Daydream
Sometimes the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard. Turn off all distractions—no music, no phones, no noise. Just sit in silence and let your mind wander.
Daydream about anything: a world where everyone can fly, a love story set in a forgotten city, or a character who can hear people’s thoughts.
Often, in these quiet moments, the most unexpected and creative ideas surface. So, take a break from the hustle and embrace the power of daydreaming!
Summary
So, there you are—sitting at your desk, staring at that blank page, waiting for inspiration to hit. You scroll through Pinterest for the hundredth time, but nothing clicks. Sound familiar? Well, it’s time to ditch the usual and start looking in unexpected places.
One day, while people-watching at a café, you overhear a conversation that sparks an entire plot. The next morning, you’re flipping through an old book and suddenly a character idea jumps out at you. Later, a song plays, and boom—you’ve got the perfect soundtrack for your next scene.
You talk to a stranger on the bus, and their story becomes the key to a new chapter. A painting catches your eye, and suddenly the whole world you’re writing about becomes so much clearer. You dig into history and discover a twist that adds layers to your narrative. And just when you think you’ve hit a wall, you try something new—a hobby, a place, a perspective—and suddenly the ideas are flowing.
All it takes is embracing the silence, letting your mind wander, and being open to where your daydreams take you. Inspiration is everywhere—it’s just waiting for you to find it. So go ahead, let the stories come to you!