Where to find story ideas for NaNoWriMo (or any other fiction)
So, the computer is all fired up, the coffee is percolating and you're all ready to write the great American/British/<insert your nationality here> novel. There's just one problem: what on earth are you going to write about?
If you're still struggling for story inspiration with one day to go, try these sources of great story ideas:
It aims to either prove or debunk all those urban legends that float around the Internet (not to mention other places), but those myths and legends could make a great story. Sure, some of them have been well and truly dismissed by this site, but what if they were actually true? There are so many different urban myths here, ranging from the spooky to the just plain strange, that there has to be something that will spark off a story idea.
Writing a mystery or ghost story? This is just one of the websites out there that contains details of some of the great mysteries of our times, both solves and unsolved. Try taking a real-life mystery and solving it in your novel - and if you don't find one to inspire you on this site, a quick Google will turn up more unsolved mysteries than there are unfinished NaNoWriMo novels.
I've picked the Newark News totally at random, but most local newspapers are filled with human interest stories, some of which could form the seed of a story idea. In this paper alone, for instance, we have a couple dead in a car-crash, a community opposing a homeless shelter, and a rather intriguing personal ad. What could the circumstances have been that led to the crash? Why would the neighbourhood oppose the shelter? Just who is Lee Graham, anyway, and why is someone searching for him? All great stories, just waiting to be told...
Again, this is one of many websites containing writing prompts which will help start you off with your story. All you have to do is pick one and write it!
Know of another great source of writing inspiration? Drop us a comment and tell us about it!
I think I know you from cafemom (?) I might even be part of your online writing forum!! Just dropped by to check out this blog!! Any pointers for a new blogger?
Posted by: InfamousAunty | November 29, 2007 at 01:50 AM
I haven't heard of CafeMom, I'm afraid, and don't have a forum, so you must be thinking of someone else! I'll try and put togther some tips for new bloggers soon :)
Posted by: Amber | November 29, 2007 at 08:59 PM
I read Snopes all the time and never thought of using it for writing inspiration! What a great suggestion. I have also found courthouses (you can pop in and eavesdrop on many trials) and coffee houses to be filled with the seeds of great stories. After all truth is stranger than fiction. :) The next time I am aimlessly staring at a blank screen tempted to play Diner Dash, I'll try your tips instead. Thanks!
Karen Swim
Posted by: | December 10, 2007 at 03:33 PM