So to begin with we're going to start off with the basics, this probably won't be new to you/you've already came up with your own way of doing this but revision is never a bad thing. For this chapter, I will be talking about ways that can help inspire ideas or how to look for ideas.
Think Outside The Box You might have a book idea already but surprise, it's a very common plot line and usually this is a huge red flag. But, instead of throwing this plot aside, think of how you could make this one different, how you could make it your own.
For example, is the plot usually told by the protagonist? What would it be like if it was told through the antagonist? What if your story was told through an object rather than the people themself?
Basically what I am trying to say is, think about the different perspectives and how it could be different. Add a twist to the old, overused plots. Which leads me on to...
Brainstorming Now, if your teachers ever ranted on to you about different types of revision methods you probably heard of mind maps. Although I never used them for study (I never studied anyway oops) they're very useful for brainstorming and expanding ideas.
If you don't know what a mind map is, here's one I nicked from google.
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Of course you don't need to make it so colourful and decorative, but it allows you to break one huge subject into smaller subjects or expand on an original idea. The more and more you work on it you'll probably find ideas you would've never thought of to begin with.
Don't just settle with the first idea you come to, think about how you can improve it and make it better.
Prompts Sometimes we need a bit of inspiration to get started and a useful tool is prompts. This can be objects, songs, films, quotes etc... There are many books here on wattpad in fact with a collection of prompts to inspire you.
Although everybody has different methods on getting inspiration these are some ive heard/used:
+Going For a Walk - When you're outside just to walk and not distracted by much you'll begin to notice minor details about the world around you, quite often you'll notice something that might strike an idea in your brain.
+Music - Whether this be listening or playing music, it's also very good for inspiring as music shares the same purpose as books, to tell a story. Listen to the lyrics. What are the emotions in this song? Who may this be about/directed to? What could've inspired the composer to write this?
+Watching Other People - This sounds creepy but humans are really complex and we couldn't even begin to understand ourselves completely but that's what makes humans interesting. When you watch somebody slam their car door in anger, think about the possibilities which could've caused this. When you see somebody limp along the pavement think about how they could've got the injury. How did the couple across the road meet? Thinking up of different scenarios may inspire ideas and plots.
+Carry a Notebook Around - Write down moments or phrases that occur around you which may inspire you later.
+Reading - Don't just read within your comfort zone, explore genres you usually wouldn't read.
+Writing Groups - Doesn't have to be within strangers but talk with other fellow writers here on wattpad!
+History - Look back in the past and you might find something that will inspire you.
+Dreams - Try keeping a dream diary or record any dreams that stood out.
Plot Shops Some people don't like the idea of this but personally I think they're useful. However I wouldn't use a plot shop that limits how much you can change, because that's basically limiting your capability of making the plot even better.
There are many plot shops within the kpop community here on wattpad and not too hard to come across.
Extra Tips A lot of us are guilty for always getting ideas or always wanting to write new books but never actually finishing them once we find out we aren't really into the plot anymore. A way to avoid this is that when you get an idea keep it in your drafts or notes but don't actually work on it till weeks later. If, by the end of this period of time, you still find a need to write it then it's more likely you'll stick to it, whereas, if you had lost interest then it clearly wasn't an idea you were truly invested in.
Don't limit yourself by having a strict plan on how the plot will go, allow some space for you to alter or change paths because along the way you may realise a way you could improve or come up with an idea which is better. At the same time however, don't start writing without a plan whatsoever, I've done this loads of times and trust me, it isn't fun. You'll most likely start finding yourself having no idea where you are headed or what to do.
When you have your idea and about to write, think about what the end achievements for the characters are and where you want to see this book end.
As I said at the beginning with thinking outside the box, write out short snippets of your story in different perspectives and ideas to see which feels and works best.
Remember that your idea must be interesting and somewhat original, otherwise it probably wont appeal to the reader.
ANY QUESTIONS? If there was anything you felt like I missed or want to know about just comment below!
