When I tell someone that I write fiction, I often hear the question, “How do you come up with ideas for your stories?”
One famous author answered this by saying, “I have an idea generation machine that spits out more storylines than I can use.”
That response may sound a bit snarky, and the truth is that creativity doesn’t come from a secret tool only authors know about, nor does it usually appear in a sudden flash of genius.
For me, creative material often comes from unexpected places.
The one thing that most authors are good at—besides writing—is the power of observation. Like many other creatives, I find inspiration in the mundane, everyday events around me.
I observe people and places while walking outside. I listen to snippets of conversations or ponder the history of an old, dilapidated house, wondering who once lived there and what it was like in its heyday.
Another principal source of inspiration for me comes from personal experiences, either past or present. For example, a college course was the primary stimulus for my first book, Elthea’s Realm. I believe that using personal experiences as the seed for a novel gives stories a relatable, heartfelt foundation.
Emotions, whether mine or those of others, are a profound source of creativity. Fear, love, jealousy, and hope are powerful motivators that shape human behavior. These raw feelings can be used to build compelling and relatable characters.
Additionally, I often find inspiration in the works of others. While I don’t copy others’ works, I use talented literature or art to provide a fresh perspective or an exotic setting. Prominent writers like Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman are known for reinterpreting myths and legends, giving timeless stories a modern twist.
The next time you read a novel, see if you can guess where the inspiration came from.
Happy reading!
John