Every writer’s journey begins with a spark of inspiration. Sometimes that spark hits you like lightning, and other times it feels like you’re wandering in the desert, waiting for a drop of creative rain. But here’s the truth: inspiration is all around us, just waiting to be found in the people, places, and even the past. For example, I got the idea for Scooter’s Amazing Adventure from the fascinating stories my grandpa used to tell me about his great-grandmother—a Cherokee Indian abandoned and adopted during the Trail of Tears. Let’s dive into the many places where you can find your own sparks of inspiration for that next great book idea!
Step 1: Digging into Family History
Everyone’s family tree has its share of quirky branches. If you’re lucky, you have a grandparent or relative who’s a master storyteller. They might not even realize they’re sitting on a goldmine of book ideas! My grandpa, for instance, shared amazing stories of our Cherokee ancestors that inspired Scooter’s Amazing Adventure.
You don’t need to have a dramatic family history like the Trail of Tears (though that’s certainly compelling). Even a seemingly ordinary family story can turn into something remarkable with the right angle. Start by having those heart-to-heart conversations with your relatives, or if you’re feeling ambitious, dig into genealogical research to uncover lost stories.
Step 2: Look Around You—Inspiration in Everyday Life
Sometimes the best book ideas come from everyday moments that most people overlook. It could be a trip to the grocery store that sparks a hilarious character idea, or an unexpected event that leads to a thrilling plot twist. The world around us is full of inspiration; you just need to keep your writer’s radar up and running.
Next time you’re stuck, take a walk, visit a new place, or even observe strangers at a café (but don’t be creepy about it!). People-watching can lead to some brilliant character ideas or even entire stories. I’ve come up with quirky blog posts for msmissyb.com just by observing everyday interactions.
Step 3: Dive into History and Mythology
History is full of drama, and what better place to get inspired than looking back through time? Whether it’s ancient mythology, historical events, or legendary figures, the past is ripe with inspiration. You could stumble upon a story from an old history book or dig deeper into the culture of your ancestors.
For Scooter’s Amazing Adventure, I leaned into the stories my grandpa told me about our Cherokee heritage. His tales about how his great-grandmother was abandoned and adopted on the Trail of Tears were more than just fascinating—they were the foundation for the story that Scooter embarks on.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick a time period or culture that interests you and dive into research. You’ll be surprised how quickly your imagination takes off.
Step 4: Explore Nature and the Great Outdoors
There’s something about nature that unlocks creativity. Whether it’s the beauty of a sunset or the mystery of a deep forest, the great outdoors is the perfect setting for story inspiration. A simple hike can turn into an epic journey in your mind, and that’s often where book ideas are born.
The natural world is also a great backdrop for metaphorical stories. Think about how nature’s cycles—growth, decay, rebirth—can mirror the human experience. Let your surroundings influence the tone, mood, and even the plot of your story. Plus, it’s a good excuse to get out of the house!
Step 5: Dreams, Daydreams, and the Imagination
Many great writers (we’re looking at you, Stephen King) credit their dreams with providing the inspiration for their stories. Next time you wake up from a vivid dream, jot it down—you never know what kind of material you’ll get from it.
Daydreams can also be a great source of inspiration. Those random “what if” scenarios that float into your mind when you’re staring out the window might just be the beginnings of your next book. Don’t ignore them!
Step 6: Reading and Learning from Other Authors
As the old saying goes, “Good writers borrow; great writers steal.” Okay, don’t actually steal anyone’s work, but reading books in your genre can inspire fresh ideas. See how other authors structure their stories, develop their characters, and pull readers into their world.
For me, reading historical fiction and stories about cultural heritage helped shape the narrative arc of Scooter’s Amazing Adventure. You’ll often find that one book will lead you to another, and soon enough, your mind will be buzzing with ideas for your own story.
Step 7: Where to Find Inspiration for Publication
Now that you’ve found inspiration for your story, where do you publish it? There are plenty of opportunities for authors at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re aiming for traditional publishing, indie publishing, or self-publishing, there are options galore.
- Traditional Publishing – Research agents and publishers who specialize in your genre. Once you’ve polished your manuscript, send out query letters and prepare for a journey of persistence.
- Indie Publishing – More and more authors are turning to indie publishers who offer more creative control and faster turnaround times.
- Self-Publishing – Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark make it easier than ever to self-publish your work.
- Writing Competitions and Anthologies – These can be great starting points for authors looking to get noticed. Winning or being featured in an anthology can help build your credibility and audience.
In Conclusion: Find Your Spark
Inspiration is everywhere—you just need to know where to look. Whether it’s a cherished family story, a scene from everyday life, or a deep dive into history, the ideas for your next great book are all around you. So, grab your notebook, turn on your creativity radar, and start looking for the inspiration that’s waiting for you. Who knows, your next story might be sitting in your own backyard—or a family tale waiting to be told.