Developing ideas?

by David Castanho
23rd August 2014

Hi guys

I need help trying to develop some ideas on writing a good story. Obviously I wouldn't ask you to write down your ideas, just what method you use to get them.

Replies

This is a huge question! If you don't know what you want to write about, where do you start?

What interests you? Current affairs, history, science? You need to have a starting point. Some period of history, some character from the past? Do your research, see what turns up.

The future? Again, do some research into whatever interests you about that, from travel to food to exploration...

What do you like to read? Maybe that's your starting point.

A story can start with a character, someone who comes into your mind, and you want to know what happens to them. Or you know what happens, but how do they get to that point?

It can start with a view, a misty scene, a boiling sun, a castle, a tower block - anything that awakens your imagination.

The one thing I will emphasise is that if it doesn't stir you, it won't stir your reader.

Above all, you have to care.

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Lorraine
Swoboda
1105 points
Practical publishing
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Historical
Romance
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Lorraine Swoboda
23/08/2014

Hi Theodore,

It depends. I have a book where I do brainstorms or lists of different ideas for my next story. Sometimes I can think of an idea into thin air or in my head.

I usually inspired from how I see the world or recent news stories, or anything related to real life issues. I let my imagination run wild!! :D

I hope this helps...

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Jannine
Smith
270 points
Developing your craft
Film, Music, Theatre, TV and Radio
Poetry
Fiction
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
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Jannine Smith
23/08/2014