What Sparks a Story Idea in Me

A common question writers get is "Where do you get all these ideas from?" The truth is, it's different for every writer. Everyone's brain is different, and the way we create is all different. Which is one of the reasons it makes this writing journey so magical and beautiful. 

It's also a reason there is room at the table for every single writer. Because no one can write a book exactly like you can. They will all be unique. Even if 10 writers are given the same story to write and the same characters, plot points, etc. You will still have 10 different books because everyone's brain will take a different creative journey to connect those plot points and get to "the end." 

Today I'm sharing a glimpse into my process. How I get story ideas. Other authors may get ideas these ways too and others won’t. There is no wrong process in the ideation stage. It's whatever works for you. On that note, I want to share a quotes from Meghan March's Creative Rebel's Guide to Writing Amazing Fiction. If you haven't read this book yet, I highly suggest it. It's for new or seasoned writers and really deep dives into the creative process. 

"Creativity doesn't happen without your full participation. Ideation doesn't happen without your participation either. You have to make space in your personal world for ideas to come to life. You have to be open and aware so that you don't miss them when they pop up. This is what the ideation process is all about." - Meghan March, A Creative Rebel's Guide to Writing Amazing Fiction

 What Sparks a Story Idea in Me:

Here are the most common ways it's happened to me so far.  For me it's usually almost always the "meet cute" or first scene that comes to my mind.  

1.) The Book I'm Writing

What I mean by this is usually whatever book i'm currently writing will create other story ideas. Usually the side characters end up speaking to me as the story develops. It just happens and I have to write notes for them in a separate document for later reference. This is fabulous as it helps me figure out what's next and finish the current WIP. What I thought was a standalone billionaire romance has since turned into a trilogy of interconnected stand alones and a spin off story for the brother. Always follow the trail if your brain starts going there during your work in progress. It might lead you to a whole new story.

2.) Living My Life

This means exactly what it says. Living my everyday life. Going out and having fun. These are the most unexpected and fun ideas that get me so excited because it's a spark I didn't see coming. For example, I was at a local Braves baseball game with my family when some drunk guys were heckling the outfielders. That scene I witnessed sparked a whole baseball romance book idea for me that I can't wait  write one day. As soon as I saw that happen my brain went down the rabbit hole as we call it. Thank goodness for notes apps on our phones! 

Another time was at family day event at my husband's work. They always rent carnival rides and as we were standing in line for one ride, I was looking at the ferris wheel people watching and BOOM. My mind went "What If..." and the meet cute scene played out and I wrote it down. 

3.) Thriftbooks

Yes, you read that right. I buy used books all the time. A lot from Thriftbooks because ya girl is a deal shopper. Several of these books come in signed by the author or the previous owner would write their name in it and make notes.  One of my story ideas sitting in a Word doc now is because of an authors personalized signature. Just those few words sparked an "Oh what if..." and boom I have an amazing meet cute featuring this book. Another of my used books with notes inspired a whole character. It's so cool how these strangers I've never met lead me to imagine them into stories. 

4.) Another Author's Book & Characters I Want More From

Yep and this basically sends me down a fanfiction route to begin with. I love another story so much that I want more of it. I want certain things from them and those ideas turn into their own characters and plot eventually with their own names, but inspired by other characters I love. For example a favorite author of mine wrote some journal entries in her story when her character was a teenager. More like little flash backs to the past. I wanted more of the teen years, wanted details, and thus began my imagination making things up from there. 

5.) TikTok or IG Reels

I know. I'm rolling my eyes at myself for this one, but it is so true. I have several Word docs of stories saved from watching little videos from a rockstar romance to an ice skating romance. There's nothing more magical than being inspired and vibing off of someone else's art. When they put those video scenes or photo clips together to just the right song and I go "AHHHH! That would be the best story!" And thus begins the ideation process. 

What sparks story ideas in you? Let me know in the comments! 

Happy Writing!