3 answers
Zoe
Student
6
Questions
Asked
378 views
How do you come up with inspiration for a story?
If, say, you needed to come up with a short story for an assignment or something, what do you use for inspiration? How do you come up with something good?
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3 answers
Cynthia Hunt
AT&T Strategic Account Lead IV
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hi Zoe -
That's a really great question - and one many people want answered, interestingly enough. I've heard loads of people say "I can't think of what to write" or "I just stare at the blank page and can't come up with anything."
My only suggestion is this:
Just start.
I know that may sound silly - however, in my experience, you do know what to write (at least, the creative part of your mind does) you may just be stalled when it comes time to begin.
So start - meaning; write WHATEVER comes to mind - and don't edit it at all.
That little step will get you moving and your creative mind will step in - even if the first words are nonsensical or they're some quote or song lyrics you know - it really doesn't matter.
Simply start writing.
After you've made that leap, you'll probably find there are words you want to write - and when you do, be mindful to avoid editing yourself while you write. It's not really possible for most people to write and edit at the same time - so, dump a bunch of words onto the page and remind yourself that you'll be sorting it all out later.
A wise professor once told me:
"Words are like clay - you have to throw a big glob of them onto the page before you start sculpting away what you don't want or need - just like a sculptor does with their clay."
Writing is a creative process and happens when you avoid putting a bunch of structure around it - its like letting your mind play for a little while without boundaries, knowing you'll edit and clean it all up later.
The only other bit of guidance I'll share is this:
Write what you know.
For example, if you need to write a short story, then place it in your house or in your backyard when you begin - and let it develop from there. Or try writing about video games (if you're an avid gamer) or Instagram (if you spend lots of time in that app) or about ice skating (if you're a skater) - doing that will give you lots of ideas because its familiar to you & you'll have an easier time with your writing, as a result.
All the best with it - remember:
You can do this!
Just start. :-)
Thanks for your question - it was fun writing an answer to you,
Cynthia
That's a really great question - and one many people want answered, interestingly enough. I've heard loads of people say "I can't think of what to write" or "I just stare at the blank page and can't come up with anything."
My only suggestion is this:
Just start.
I know that may sound silly - however, in my experience, you do know what to write (at least, the creative part of your mind does) you may just be stalled when it comes time to begin.
So start - meaning; write WHATEVER comes to mind - and don't edit it at all.
That little step will get you moving and your creative mind will step in - even if the first words are nonsensical or they're some quote or song lyrics you know - it really doesn't matter.
Simply start writing.
After you've made that leap, you'll probably find there are words you want to write - and when you do, be mindful to avoid editing yourself while you write. It's not really possible for most people to write and edit at the same time - so, dump a bunch of words onto the page and remind yourself that you'll be sorting it all out later.
A wise professor once told me:
"Words are like clay - you have to throw a big glob of them onto the page before you start sculpting away what you don't want or need - just like a sculptor does with their clay."
Writing is a creative process and happens when you avoid putting a bunch of structure around it - its like letting your mind play for a little while without boundaries, knowing you'll edit and clean it all up later.
The only other bit of guidance I'll share is this:
Write what you know.
For example, if you need to write a short story, then place it in your house or in your backyard when you begin - and let it develop from there. Or try writing about video games (if you're an avid gamer) or Instagram (if you spend lots of time in that app) or about ice skating (if you're a skater) - doing that will give you lots of ideas because its familiar to you & you'll have an easier time with your writing, as a result.
All the best with it - remember:
You can do this!
Just start. :-)
Thanks for your question - it was fun writing an answer to you,
Cynthia
Thank you, this is some good advice.
Zoe
Raisa Anan Mustakin
University Student
21
Answers
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Raisa Anan’s Answer
Hi Zoe! For inspiration, I'll say it depends on the person and what is likely to inspire that person. Keep in mind that we are all different, hence get influenced by different things. You have to spend some time contemplating what is likely to inspire you.
Personally, positive thoughts inspire me. If I think I'll make a good story and impress others, I become inspired to try and come up with a good story. :)
Personally, positive thoughts inspire me. If I think I'll make a good story and impress others, I become inspired to try and come up with a good story. :)
Tom Foster
Freelance writer
28
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
I'll be honest and state that everyone has a different method for coming up with an idea, be it a short story, essay, novel, or anything else. Personally I find it harder to turn off the ability to come up with ideas, but this is after years of writing. My advice though is to become more observant and take inspiration from whatever you can. Brainstorming is another great idea since coming up with a core idea and then thinking your way around it can help you to come up with various ideas that may or may not work, depending on what you want. Think outside of the box as well as inside of it, and whatever you do, keep pushing forward. Don't worry so much about being good until it's time to refine the ideas you've come up with. Focus on the idea first, and then worry about whether it's any good.