by Emily Hunter

Created on: April 04, 2010   Last Updated: April 05, 2010

Where do those great writing ideas come from?  They come from everywhere, from the sky to the ground, waiting to be used in something awesome and challenging.  Having an open mind is the first step in having more writing ideas than one can feasibly work with.

One of the first places to look is in the drafts of previous works.  Is there something that can be built upon?  Was there a long tangent that didn't make it to the final draft, but was set aside for another time?   The past can sometimes yield gold.

Take a deep breath and check out the surroundings.  How did that tree become so gnarled?   Where does that tunnel go?  The answers don't have to be based in truth or realistic, just ask the questions and see where the answers lead you.  The key here is to spur on the imagination rather than anguish oneself over reality.

Reading can be a wonderful source of ideas.  How should this situation or that one be handled?  Is there a book about overcoming fears that has been gathering dust?  Rewrite the classics with a few twists, or even write them backwards.  The classics are treasured because they touch upon simple concepts, usually based on stories that are much older than they are.

Two heads are better than one.  Being friends with someone means that they can be asked questions that wouldn't be asked to a stranger.  Being a friend means getting to listen to both tripe and unpolished gems of stories and article ideas.  Besides, getting to talk with friends about what interests them allows for stronger relationships.   

Take a bit of pressure off and do something else to get your writing ideas.  The ideas will come because the well is never dry as long as breath is being drawn into the lungs.  The brain is constantly working on projects, rolling them around like rocks in a tumbler, occasionally bubbling something up to the surface.  Sometimes, instead of placing our entire focus on it, it's best to let the brain simmer in the background.

Writing ideas can come from anywhere and everywhere.   When actively seeking ideas, take the time to be observant of the environment and listen to what it says.  Don't be fearful of picking the search up the next day.  Ideas come in flurries, just be ready to catch them when the storm happens.

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