Where Do Writers Get Ideas?
The short answer is: everywhere.
Sometimes the ideas come from events in the world or in the writer’s life. Or it could be something life has taught them. And if they’re working with a publisher, it’s possible the next work is driven by a request from that publisher.
My mind sifts through the past and present, and I ask God for the words He wants me to write. I’m grateful God helps me determine what to write. I’m also thankful He gives me the strength and ability to do the work.
How Do Writers Grow That Idea?
One school of thought is that writers are naturally wired to begin with a specific story aspect to grow the idea.
The aspects are character, plot, and setting. And all three need to be brainstormed and developed for a complete story.
Why? Because…
— An interesting character who does nothing is just a guy sitting around.
— A great set of actions doesn’t occur without characters.
— A compelling setting with no action and no people is just a place. But the setting can be the antagonist (cause change), the villain (present obstacles), or create mood (positive and negative).
What If The Story Idea Doesn’t Work?
Preliminary brainstorming determines if the idea is viable to become a complete story that includes characters, action (plot), and setting.
But some story ideas can’t be developed in all three areas.
And that’s when the writer is sad.
But a writer can’t allow sadness to hang around long before they let it go.
And move on to the next idea because writers are driven to write rich, compelling stories that readers will enjoy.
You may be creative in different ways. Where do you get ideas for your creative endeavors?
How Do Writers Get Ideas? Where do you get ideas for your creative endeavors? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
As we age and life happens, sometimes we lose our imaginations, but I think if you want to write good stories, you have to find it again.
Thank you for sharing, Jane. I appreciate you reading and commenting. And I pray each of us can nurture our creativity.
I’m thankful to have been blessed with a lively imagination. It’s been the process of harnessing that imagination and getting the words on paper (or computer screen) that has been the greater challenge. (And I won’t go into the lament of publishing). Enjoyed your informative post, Joni. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Katherine. Yes, it’s definitely different to have an idea and then to actually sit down and write it out! I appreciate your comments.
Great post, Joni.
Thank you for reading, Tim. I hope my post was helpful.