Some authors churn out book after book. Others write one best-seller that stands the test of time. Either way, every story begins with inspiration. Someone or something is going to spark the idea that leads to your next novel.
What or who will it be? While some ideas arise in a sudden or unexpected manner, you don’t have to sit around and wait for inspiration. Seek it. If you’re unsure where to begin, keep reading to discover several ways to inspire your next book.
Your next novel idea may be right under your nose
You may not have to search far and wide to spark inspiration for a new story. Your best-selling novel might be waiting for you amidst the people, places, and experiences of your everyday life. Observe your family, friends, and colleagues. Take conversations and styles of speech to heart and think about them later. One person or a group interaction might set an idea in motion that can later become your next novel.
Another method to inspire new book ideas is to visit an art gallery or a museum or listen to classical music. The world’s great artists and musicians are masters of inspiration. How does their work make you feel? Close your eyes and listen to the music; do you see a story unfolding?
Revisit your old writings for new ideas
Like many authors, you might have several unfinished novels lying around. Take time to read through them. There might be a character worth reviving, perhaps, in a different setting, era, or circumstance. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to combine characters from various drafts, working them into a new story together.
What issues matter to you?
Consider current events, social issues, and cultural norms. Are you passionate about a specific topic? Let that be the spark of inspiration that ignites your next novel. You can also try a method called “world-building” based on the topic. Create a world in detail. Describe it and create characters who live in it. Spend time thinking about the world you’ve created and see what types of stories unfold.
Interview your characters
Perhaps you have a few ideas for characters in your next novel but are lacking inspiration for the story. Try compiling a list of questions for each character. Act as if you are interviewing them. Ask where they come from and why they want to be in the story. What are their fears, goals, and dreams in life? In short, the characters you’ve created spark inspiration for your next novel.
