Ask any published author what question they are most often asked, and they will inevitably tell you the same thing. 'Where do you get your ideas?'
For writers who struggle to come up with new ideas for creative writing in fiction, non fiction or poetry, the following sources might be of help with inspiration.
Magazines
- The readers’ letters page often sparks off an idea for a story or article.
- The problem page is a good source of relationship ideas for stories, often with the conflict ready for using.
- True stories offer plenty of real life situations that can be turned into fiction, with some details changed.
- You and your child problems are a good source of conflict and real life ideas for stories or opinion pieces.
- Travel articles provide a good source of settings for stories and ideas for your own articles. Keep pictures for inspiration.
- A pen friend page could offer a variety of character descriptions. Put two or three together to make a story.
- People photographs are good to keep for character profiles.
- Published short stories offer several opportunities:
- Take the first line from a short story or serial and write your own story following on from this. Change the first line after completing your story (which should end up completely different from the original).
- Study the illustrations accompanying published stories. Invent your own story to fit the picture.
- Look at the captions for stories in the magazines - only the captions, do not read the story. Write your own story about the same situation and it will be completely different. Or take two captions and turn them into one story. Or write your own caption, then the story to go with it.
Newspapers
- Real-life stories might suggest an idea for a novel (changing all personal details).
- Cut out and file factual and historical information that could be used in articles or stories. Look out for the ‘100 years ago…’ type paragraphs.
- It is sometimes possible to find old newspapers or magazines at antique stalls which have advertisements from the era. They will give authenticity to historical stories or novels.
- There is no copyright in facts, but you must use your own words to write your piece.
Old Diaries and Journals
- These are excellent for authentic period detail. Think ‘Diary of an Edwardian Lady’ or similar, and of course, the diaries of Samuel Pepys and Anne Frank.
- They are also a good source for speech patterns of specific places and times.
- Professional journals may have information on festivals, weather, and maps.
Postcards/Posters
- Many antique shops have boxes of old postcards which might inspire a story set in the past.
- Look out for fashion styles, cars, landscapes and buildings for period detail.
- The message on the back of an old card could spark a story idea or poem.
- Old ship and railway posters are good for a sense of nostalgia and history.
Poems and Songs
- A line from a poem or song might inspire an idea which could be developed into a story.
- Not that long ago, an enterprising writer wrote stories set around the songs of Chris de Burgh and a UK story website was recently asking for stories inspired by Beatles songs.
The Bible
- The Bible has long been a source for many writers of poetry, songs and children’s books.
- At least one author has published novels inspired by Old Testament stories, setting them in the more recent past.
Exhibitions/Shows
- Look out for interesting people and stands at exhibitions, such as crafts, unusual hobbies or trades.
- Pick up any free information leaflets. This could be a good source for your characters’ occupations.
- There might be scope for an interview or feature article with one of the exhibitors.
Using some or all of these sources can offer a fresh perspective to creative writing by suggesting many new ideas which might be turned into publishable work. Best of all, many of them are readily available and are an enjoyable way to find inspiration. The next step is to do some market research of the various publications available for your written work.
The copyright of the article Writing Ideas in Freelance Writing is owned by Rosemary Gemmell. Permission to republish Writing Ideas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
 |
 |
