Most interviewers have one standard question in common—and it’s legitimate, because readers often want to know where writers get their ideas for stories: Where do you get your ideas for stories? In my opinion, stories are everywhere. I only wish I had time to write them all! Perhaps something in this list will flip the light switch for you, and you’ll wonder why you never thought of it before! (Don’t forget to share!)
- Old family stories/poignant trivia of tragedy, dishonor, heroism, lost love, even violence stumbled on through genealogical research—or, even better, found out by accident, especially when you weren’t supposed to know!
- Causes of death on death certificates which make you stop and think—even wonder
- Obituaries—survivors or lack of same, former unusual occupations for the time, places of birth, military service, hints of nostalgia about past lives, and a good source for period character names
- Newspaper articles on startling finds in/history of old buildings, interviews with people who’ve lived history (war veterans, etc.)
- Travel brochures—chock full of history, ideas for settings
- Road signs—names of rivers, creeks, bridges, small towns
- Historical markers—who passed this way before and why?
- Backs of menus—what did this restaurant/bar really used to be?
- Song titles/lyrics—conjuring up bygone eras or contemporary life situations
- Overheard conversations (please, no X-rated!)
- Calendars—special dates, historic dates, unusual dates
- Coffee table books—pictures to inspire and make your imagination take flight
- Inscriptions or notes in old (antique) books or something found tucked between the pages
- Tours—historic, ghost walks, even home exhibitions
- Museums—too much to mention! But stop and look, read labels, think about the building itself
- Antique shops/flea markets—forgotten treasures which mattered once to someone somewhere
- Observation: people watching at airports, malls, in coffee shops and restaurants, in church
And always, always, ALWAYS carry a notebook in your purse or briefcase! Ideas are fleeting, even brilliant ones, and you don’t want to lose sleep trying to remember what you shouldn’t have forgotten!