How do you get your ideas?

Question

I'm starting work on a new script and I'm lost on ideas for a great story. Any tips on how to get some good ideas coming and how do you come up with your ideas?

Answer 1

Ideas can come out of the weirdest places. I'd agree with whoever said watch people, everyday activities can spark off an idea in an instant. You should also think what kind of genre you want to write about and then what is the kind of things you want to include (locations, characters, plot devices etc.) once you have a couple of those you can build from there. Think of situations that you've heard of or that may have happened to you that you might have done differently.
Often it takes the smallest thing to spark off a concept so just close your eyes and have a think about any stories, images and characters in your head and see if anything flows.
Carry a notepad and write anything down that interests you, even if it's just a location description, a personality trait, a word you like or a funny/serious situation that caught your attention. You can link/combine any of the things you experience later.
I carry my palm pilot with me everywhere cos I lose bits of paper, but it works the same way (and I never run out of space to write). I usually write in it daily.

Answer 2

When I'm thinking of an idea for a song I look at something in the world that I either like or dislike and then go on from there. If you're writing a fictional script, it might be easier if you pick a starting point like a character or a setting, and then take it from there.

Answer 3

I do a lot of watching: people, TV, movies, animals, nature, etc. Then my brain says, "Hey, what if that guy in the park had stopped roller blading, took off his skates, and just jumped in the fountain?" This kind of stuff usually gets me thinking about why he would do that, and before you know it, Bham!, a story. I also like to indulge in other people's creations and wander what would have happened if the character had been male instead of female, if she had lost the guy, if the best friend had died instead of mom, etc. I usually find myself in interesting places then, as well. And it's not any kind of infringement because my story ends up not having anything to do with the original inspiration. That one just got my juices going.

I call this game What If?. It's a lot of fun and usually nets me something (sometimes good, sometimes not, it's not the point. The point is to be writing.)

Answer 4

Cause I've got a brilliant brain. Job to give another person ideas. Don't know how your brain works. Go to the local cemetery and study the gravestones. How many are obviously related. Can you determine the connections? Are there kiddies graves? Do they make you sad and wonder over the circumstances.I don't say there are big stories there but it does get your mind thinking. With a bit of imagination as well there might be something there.

Answer 5

My ideas come in the most unusual places: peeling potatoes, tying my shoes, sitting on the front stoop with my dogs. Other times I get them while I'm waiting in the doctor's office and notice particular interesting people or eavesdrop on conversations. They come while I'm walking down city streets or strolling the beach. It's important to keep a little tape recorder or pen and paper nearby at all times.

The thing about ideas is that once one comes, many others soon follow. Best wishes.

Answer 6

Being a writer myself, I know what that's like. When I'm stuck on ideas, I get "re-inspired" by reading books and online fictions and fanfictions, looking at artwork, listening to music, watch movies and shows that I really like, and just talking with my extremely-random friends; It's amazing how the "plot-bunnies" can pop up during everyday things!! Give yourself a little time, and keep a notebook and pen or pencil with you ALWAYS, because the best ideas can pop up right when you're about to fall asleep, dreaming, or, heck, even when you're in the bathroom!!

Good luck~~!!

Answer 7

Connect urself 2 the story n ideas will pop in2 ur head. Jot them down n use as an outline 4 ur script. Good Luck=)

~.

Answer 8

Scetch details of your main characters - looks, mannerisms, background, etc. Write the details down - or even draw them if you are a visual person.

Then take your main character or characters and imagine them in some odd/out of the ordinary (out of your current work's context) places or scenarios – anything goes! Write down ideas on what would have to happen to your type of character or how they would react to the scenario you placed them in.

This may seem futile, but it will help you flesh out your characters further and give you insight into what you may want to happen to this type of character in a potential story. You may even come up with multiple story lines and can see if one of them just seems to be the best or easiest to continue

Strong well-crafted main characters can inspire readers to love your story as well as drive you to write a great story for these imagined beings to be in! :-)

This should get you going. Then you may want to write an outline of you story (a kind of synopsis), including the ending. I have heard that John Irving writes his endings first, down to the last line, and works backwards. The idea of the outline is to give you goals as you proceed. Writing the ending first may give you the "spark" you seek - and also give you something to strive for.

Answer 9

The best story ideas are taken from, or analogical to your own experiences - it's the absolute best way to make a script seem "real" - if it at least in part, is taken from experience.

On your ride home tonight, or on a walk around your neighbourhood - really look around, take notice of the other people around you, the way they interact - you ought to be able to get plenty of inspiration, from your surroundings!

Answer 10

Be aware of your environment. Whenever I’m stuck on ideas, I carry a little notepad with me wherever I go, and write tidbits of every day life. Things you might find interesting for a story. Every detail counts!