There are many ways to get ideas for novels.1. Draw from personal experiences: Think about events or people in your own life that have made an impact on you. You can use these experiences as a starting point for your novel. I do this often while writing YA’s. I typically think of experiences my teens had and use those to mold ideas.
2. Read: Reading books, articles, and news can help spark ideas for your own writing. Pay attention to what interests you and consider how you might develop those ideas into a novel. Jot down notes. It’s amazing how many times notes you’ve jotted down inspire ideas later on.
3. Explore different genres: Consider exploring different genres and styles of writing to find inspiration. You might find that a particular genre or style resonates with you and sparks new ideas. I’ve written in a few genres. At this time, kids’ chapter books keep my creative juices flowing. I like YA but I worry about the times we live in. Saying the wrong thing, even through a character, can cause unintentional harm.
4. Use writing prompts: Writing prompts can be a great way to jumpstart your creativity. There are many websites and books that offer writing prompts to help you generate ideas. In the past, I’ve written down random lists to challenge myself to create one-liners. It’s a great exercise and keeps your mind sharp.
5. Brainstorm with others: Talking to friends, family, or fellow writers can help generate new ideas. Sometimes, discussing your ideas with others can lead to unexpected and exciting new directions for your writing. Fellow aspiring writers or authors have insight you might not have tapped into or developed. They can often expand on ideas you have and help with clarity.
Remember, inspiration can come from anywhere, so stay open to new experiences and always carry a notebook.
