If you're reading this post, you probably don't know what to write and where to begin. With this post I hope to give you 7 ideas on how to find writing inspiration once and for all. You can use these 7 methods, mix and match, and you'll never find yourself unable to think of something to write about.
1. Writing Prompts
I'll begin with the obvious. We all turn to writing prompts when we just don't know what to do with this character we've created or even to create that character in the first place. It's tremendous how many beautiful stories have been written inspired by a simple prompt. There are Title Prompts, Dialogue Prompts, Character Prompts, Plot Prompts and so many other kinds of prompts that you can find all over the internet. Here are some writing prompts that I've created and thought I'd share with you.
2. From names
I've found inspiration for stories from names of characters and what they mean. I love the very concept of naming a human being. From a villain with a name that means 'Kindhearted' to a protagonist with a flower's name and working at a flower store, you can work on your character's traits using their name. By figuring out who your character is, you can allow your plot to venture from there. Here is a list of a few names that I'm inculding below. I encourage you to find the meaning behind them and let your character drive the plot!
3. From Songs
This is a method I think many people use. I recently wrote a poem titled 'Departure' that I'm currently revising and editing for submission. I wrote it after listening to Pogiren, a song by Mugen Rao. I was very inspired by the beautiful lyrics, its meaning, Mugen's amazing voice and the music to write that poem. It isn't a direct translation of the song but only a reflection on the people we end up leaving.
4. From Artwork
I'm not sure how many people do this but for me personally, this is one of the most effective ways to get a poem or story spilling out of me. When I have absolutely nothing to write about, I just go over on Tumblr and search for artwork that I can be inspired by.
I saw a drawing of hands and colours erupting from the hand's fingertips and was inspired to write 'Subduing', a poem that I dearly love. You can read it here for inspiration.
5. Read Others' Work
If you're a writer who does like to read, then this should be an easy task for you. You can read the works of established authors or even the work of new and upcoming authors. I do this often when I want to write poetry but can't get something off me.
Check out the Writing Section on my website for stories and poems I've written to inspire you.
6. From Experience
Many stories come from real-life experiences. You don't have to open your heart out and put down the most intimate moments of your life on paper, but you could choose which ones to write about.
Write about meeting someone you haven't been in touch with for years and how that meeting might go about. I wrote Singing Eyes, inspired by this very thought. This story was published by Outlander Magazine!
Or maybe just talk about an experience. Talk about that one time you went on a travel that you absolutely hated but ended up loving. That's what I do in this story I wrote, Chance Encounters.
The options are endless!
7. Just Watch the People and Places Around
This has to be perhaps the most effective way of finding writing inspiration. Stories come from people and places. It is but the people in your stories or the places, both figuratively and realistically, that you can take your writers to that make your story a story.
Sit down, maybe a cup of tea or coffee in hand, or nothing like me. Just simply sit and watch the people around you. Watch your surroundings. You might notice someone constantly tapping their feet to rhythm you don't recognise - that's a character quirk; use for your next character. You might look at a wall with scribblings and drawings on it - that's a plot; what is the meaning behind those drawings? Who drew them? Where are they now?
Ask yourself more questions and as you answer them, you'll already have your story ready, beautifully written down in front of you.
Like I mentioned already, if you use any of these seven methods that I've shared today to write something, feel free to send your work to me. I'd love to read and provide feedback on your writing if you might want it. I just feel genuinely happy when I've been able to inspire someone of writing so I would be glad to even just give your work a read 😃