Every writer needs a source of fresh ideas from time to time. Even the most famous and prolific hacks have occasionally been confronted with a sheet of crisp white paper (nowadays a crisp white word processor screen) and hesitated about what to write. Happily one thing no writer need do in the presence of the internet is struggle for inspiration. Here are some suggestions for you to get your writing going, as well as links to further resources with sufficient creative prompts to keep the next Hemingway busy.
The best way to write is simply to write....and write.... and write often. So don't spend time agonising over which suggestion will lead to the start of a blockbuster novel or an online article destined to be read by millions. Just pick one suggestion below and start making your keyboard (or pen) work for its keep. If one doesn't inspire you then try another and start writing.
Suggestion one: re-interpret a traditional story.
Here you can use an almost infinitely broad spectrum of existing material to draw on in your pursuit of something to write. Everything from a well-known fairy story, to a biblical tale, to a standard literary classic such as the tempest. For example tell Red Riding Hood's tale from the wolf's point of view. Try and make him the hero. Perhaps he had good reason to take out Red and her grandma (or maybe the Brothers Grim failed to realise that the wolf was a she and how that influenced events). For extra fun, combine elements from more than one story.
Suggestion two: timed ideas.
Take a pen and a piece of paper and set a watch or timer to countdown five minutes. Then write whatever words and concepts come into your head during those five minutes. Don't worry that your mind might go blank. People need to practice meditation and breathing techniques for years to achieve a truly empty mind. The important thing is that your pen should keep moving until the timer goes off as you spin out words and thoughts, however random and jumbled they may be. Being under pressure can force your creativity: you'll find yourself writing things in desperation. But when you look back over your ideas, you'll probably find some gems in there.
Suggestion three: respond to someone else
Responding to someone else whether you agree, want to criticise them or go off on a on a wildly varying tangent is a way to get writing. Think of a famous quote. Is it a valuable insight or a subtle mistake? Look up a great historical speech. How did things turn out afterwards. Did it change much? Should policy makers be re-reading it today? Can you develop a soundbite into something more substantial. If you want your writing to be up to the minute, then take an item from tonight's TV news to respond to.
Suggestion four: work
Your place of employment is a superb place to find concept fodder. Offices often mirror society quite well, with friendships, enmities, plots, alliances and coups aplenty. Step back and observe, paying close attention to things like how people react to unmet expectations, or a change in the balance of a group. When emotions run high, think like a creative writer and watch how everyone reacts in their own way: who wades in, who stays aloof and who hides until everything blows over? Use your character observations to flesh out the people in a story or play. And don't forget that work can suggest plot events or themes as well: your best client goes to the opposition (betrayal and reversal of fortune); a top boss resigns after an accounting scandal (corruption in high places) revealed by a junior whistleblower (an unlikely hero). Even if daily events in the office aren't always as crazy as this, there's bound to be something you can draw on.
Suggestion five: web resources
Here's a resource with over 300 creative writing prompts:
Suggestion six: come at the problem from a tangent
Rather than trying to find new ideas directly, find a way to charge your creative batteries and expand your horizons by:
- Taking a nap. Your creativity will soar when you're alert and refreshed.
- Going to a class, workshop or conference. Learning new things will make connections that spark new concepts for your writing.
- Spending some time with creative people. Bounce ideas off them and catch the rebounds.
- Exercising. It'll get the blood flowing to your brain and imbue you with feel good hormones, putting you in the mood to achieve.
- Writing somewhere different. Take your notebook or laptop, let your mind wander and your creativity run free.
- Boosting your wordpower. Finding intriguing new ways to express your ideas will keep your interest in writing high. Use the tips here to bring a new style to your work.