How to hack the creative process and get to writing!
One of the most common questions I hear is, “Where do you get your ideas?” For some people, the spark of inspiration seems almost magical—an idea that appears out of thin air and ignites a new story. But while inspiration can feel mysterious, the truth is that many writers actively seek out sources to fuel their creativity. Whether you’re working on your first novel or your fifteenth, knowing where to look for inspiration can make a world of difference in your writing process.
In this blog post, we’ll explore five common sources of inspiration that many authors turn to when they’re searching for their next big idea.
1. Personal Experiences and Memories
Many writers draw from their own lives for inspiration. Whether it’s a childhood memory, a formative relationship, or a particularly intense emotional experience, real-life moments often serve as the foundation for fictional stories. The emotions and conflicts we face in everyday life can provide rich material for character development, plot twists, and thematic depth.
For example, many coming-of-age stories, like J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye or Stephen King’s The Body (which was adapted into the film Stand By Me), are grounded in personal experience or nostalgic reflections. By using real life as a jumping-off point, writers can create authentic, emotionally resonant narratives that connect with readers on a deep level.
How to use this in your writing:
- Journal about past events that impacted you deeply. Consider how these moments could inspire a story.
- Think about emotional highs and lows in your life and how your characters might go through similar arcs.
2. Nature and the Outdoors
Nature has inspired storytellers for centuries. From epic poems about journeys through the wilderness to introspective essays on the beauty of a sunset, there’s something about the natural world that stirs the imagination. Many writers find that stepping away from their desks and spending time outdoors opens up new ways of thinking. Whether it’s the grandeur of a mountain range or the tranquility of a forest, nature has a way of clearing the mind and allowing new ideas to flow.
For instance, classic literary figures like Henry David Thoreau and Mary Oliver often used nature as a central element in their works, both as setting and as metaphor. Even for genres that aren’t directly related to nature, simply taking a walk can lead to a fresh perspective.
How to use this in your writing:
- Take regular walks and note down any thoughts or images that come to mind.
- Use nature descriptions to enhance the mood and setting of your scenes.
3. Books, Films, and Other Art Forms
Writers are often voracious consumers of stories in all forms—novels, films, TV shows, plays, and even video games. Other works of art can serve as a wellspring of inspiration, not only in terms of plot ideas but also in terms of style, tone, or structure.
You might come across a minor character in a film that sparks the idea for an entirely new protagonist, or you could watch a historical drama that leads you to think about how a similar story might play out in a science fiction setting. The best stories often borrow elements from existing ones, blending them into something fresh and unique. This is how genres evolve and how new takes on familiar themes are born.
How to use this in your writing:
- Keep a notebook handy while reading or watching movies, and jot down anything that intrigues you.
- Study how your favorite authors or directors build suspense, create characters, or explore themes. Consider how you can apply their techniques to your own work.
4. Travel and New Experiences
There’s nothing like stepping into a new culture, environment, or way of life to shake up your creativity. Many writers find inspiration while traveling, whether it’s visiting a foreign country or simply exploring a part of their own city they’ve never been to before. Exposure to new sights, sounds, smells, and people can help you see the world—and your stories—in a new light.
Travel doesn’t have to be exotic to be inspiring. A trip to a local museum, a weekend getaway to a nearby town, or even a conversation with a stranger can ignite the creative process. Experiencing something unfamiliar, even briefly, can provide a wealth of material for stories.
How to use this in your writing:
- Plan trips to places that intrigue you. Use travel journals to record interesting observations.
- Incorporate real-world locations into your story settings, or use the experiences to create entirely new fictional worlds.
5. Dreams and the Subconscious Mind
Sometimes, inspiration strikes when we’re not even awake. Dreams can be a potent source of story ideas, as they allow the mind to wander freely, unencumbered by logic or the constraints of reality. Many writers—like Mary Shelley, who famously conceived of Frankenstein in a dream—have turned their nocturnal imaginings into the stuff of classic literature.
Paying attention to dreams and engaging in activities that tap into the subconscious—like meditation or free writing—can help writers access deeper layers of creativity. These practices encourage the mind to explore thoughts and emotions that we may not be fully conscious of, but which hold great potential for storytelling.
How to use this in your writing:
- Keep a dream journal and jot down any vivid or unusual dreams.
- Try free writing or stream-of-consciousness writing to tap into unexpected ideas.
Conclusion: Inspiration Is Everywhere
Inspiration can strike in many forms, but one of the most important lessons writers learn is that it doesn’t always come on its own. By actively seeking inspiration—whether through personal experience, nature, other works of art, travel, or even your dreams—you can increase the odds of uncovering the next great story idea. Writing, after all, is a process that requires both creativity and perseverance, and inspiration is just one piece of that puzzle.
So, the next time you feel stuck, remember that inspiration is often just around the corner. Take a walk, read a book, watch a movie, reflect on your past, or simply let your mind wander. You never know where the next story might come from.