Inspiration:

In a

Never ending

Search for a

Perfect

Idea that

Really

Actually is

Terrific,

Inspirational,

Original and

Not cliche

This acrostic poem describes writing perfectly. We're always seeking inspiration to make our stories better, even if we have an idea.

But, inspiration often is referring to either getting a concept or inspiration to keep writing on. We'll cover the latter in a later chapter.

You want to write a story. You have zip ideas. None. Nada. The blank paper or screen in front of you is mocking you, laughing at you. Do you even want to write? Maybe you should go do something better, like algebra. Yeah, even algebra is better than writing.

Stop right there. You can write. Don't let the blank page taunt you.

There are many ways to come up with ideas. Some work better for others. However, for those stuck without an inkling of an idea, here are some tips.

1) Timed Free Writes

Set a timer. Usually, a good place to start is five to ten minutes. Then, don't let the pen leave the paper (or fingers leave the keyboard) until the timer is up. Write about anything, from random description to your current crush. Not only will this improve your voice, you could find some diamonds in the rough. Maybe an idea for a plot or character.

2) Ask "What if...?"

Time for some brainstorming. What if... questions are common with dystopia, but they work with any genre.

Just write down whatever comes to your mind. This is great for coming up with concepts or characters.

Here are some ideas that are from the top of my head:

What if Russia didn't join the Allies during WWII?

What if a blind boy and deaf girl fall in love?

3) Prompts

These were the bane of my school years (especially when analyzing the symbols in To Kill A Mockingbird,) but prompts can be useful in creative writing. There are tons of websites out there that can be found with a quick Google search that offer randomized prompts.

You can choose whether to time yourself or not. Or, you can set a word/page limit.

I'm not talking about prompts like your favorite color or explain the diction in Shakespeare. Here are some examples I came up with:

If you had twenty four hours to live, what would you do?

Your arch nemesis asks you out. What happens?

A stranger comes up to you and asks you to hold a strange looking box. He doesn't wait for an answer and leaves. What is in there? What happens?

4) Dream Diary

If you're someone who remembers dreams the majority of the time, this could be a great idea. It also helps with lucid dreaming. Anyways, log your dreams as soon as you wake up. You could have a great idea that is lurking in your subconscious.

5) Journal

This is highly recommended. Write down what happens in your daily life, or any interesting things you do. You can get get a physical copy of a journal or keep it on a laptop or phone.

Write down interesting things, dialogue or other things that peak your curiosity. In my journal, I record unusual names.

This is also a great place to keep your free and prompt writing.

Whatever you do, make sure to keep writing. Writing is like exercise: the more you do it, the easier it is. If you write very little for a long period of time, your "muscles" will weaken.

Don't sit around and wait for inspiration. You need to get out and search for it. Take notes and observe your daily life.

Keep Calm and Write On!