Some writers have more ideas than time to write them, and others (a-hem, me!) need to hunt them down and trap them as fast as we can.
But sometimes story ideas for writers are hard to come by. Where do writers like me, who either need a main story idea or a subplot, go to hunt? Over the years I’ve found a few unusual watering holes where ideas gather.
Where to Find Story Ideas for Writers
Newspapers
Everyone knows obituaries are rife with ideas, but advice columns are even better. The conflict is already baked in! Also, look for patterns in news stories that often develop over time. This is especially good for finding local issues that can affect your setting if you’ve got a fictional town based on a real one.
Forums
Online forums are filled with people willing to bare the most intimate details of their lives to total strangers. Of course we wouldn’t want to use anyone’s exact story—where’s the fun in that?—but so many ideas are there for the plucking.
Elderly folks
They have the best stories because they’ve been there, done that, for decades. When you take time to truly listen, the elderly in your community have a lot to offer. (This applies to life in general, not just hunting for story ideas!)
Pictures
Find a few good ones and they’re worth way more than 1,000 words—hopefully north of 80,000. Picture books, galleries, magazines and online sites all have pictures that make you think, “What happened here?” That question can lead you to more story ideas than you can possibly juggle.
Talk shows
Here again we have people baring their lives to total strangers. But I’m not just talking about Jerry Springer style shows where in-laws are hankering for a fight. Also consider lifestyle shows, news shows, self-help, and even renovation and home styling shows.
Once you make a habit of keeping your peepers peeled, story ideas for writers are literally everywhere. Then you, too, can be one of those people who have way more ideas than time.
What’s the most unique place you’ve come across story ideas for writers?
Sometimes all it takes is a sentence or a phrase for an idea to manifest
I LOVE when that happens! Of course, for me, it’s so rare, lol.
I love this Georgiana because you can use it for fiction or blog writing. I tend to be one of those people who have a new idea everyday the problem is getting them to become a full article.
Oh, wow!!! I hadn’t even thought of that, but you’re right, Dia. Because I primarily write fiction, my mind always veers that general direction, but yes—great sources for blogging too!
I love the advice column idea!
I usually go to history books, museums, and antique shops for my ideas. 🙂 The dustier the better! 😀
That actually sounds like a lot of fun! I could get lost for days in a museum.
Great ideas! I actually wrote a post inspired from just one sentence or just one look. I agree about online forums because there are a lot of different thoughts and opinions.
I definitely agree with that second one; I’ve found forum platforms fascinating in what people share; I believe that the anonymity factor helps create a layer of trust or safety in which one can reveal stories and tales of woe,joy , etc., without censure.
That saying “Truth is stranger than fiction” comes to mind here!
So true, Jennifer! I’m always surprised by how much people are willing to share, also, and some things I can’t help but think that if it were in a book, no one would believe it!