How can I come up with ideas for a story?

Question

I like to write fantasy stories. Whether it be fan fictions about J-rockers, or stories about my favorite anime, or some off the top of my head. Right now I am thinking of writing a ninja story. But i'd like to know how to get some ideas about like what could happen. What can I do?

Answer 1

Start out by figuring out what it is ninja do. Protect people? What if there was a bully in school and a little boy who wants to be a ninja when he grows up and he takes on the bully? Kind of a contemporary Don Quixote? Pax - C

Answer 2

Sometimes thinking hard about it reaps you no profits. Try carrying around a small notebook with you wherever you go (if you aren't already doing that) so you can jot down ideas or little scenes that catch your eye when you're out and about. You wouldn't want to forget what it was just because you didn't write it down when you thought of it. >_<

Read other stories with similar themes. I'm not saying to copy them, of course. More like I'm thinking maybe you can get inspired from reading, and perhaps you can explore avenues others didn't. (E.g. Huh... I wonder how the story would have developed if this or that had happened instead...)

Researching on ninjas could be helpful too to lend an air of authenticity to your stories. It might spark off an idea or two.

Good luck on it! It should be pretty fun. :)

Answer 3

You need to do research on your topic, and always be on the lookout for inspiration around you. Start with the main character's name and give him a purpose and background. Create a family for him or her, and then consider a conflict or big plot for the story. Keep writing and imagining! The words will come to you!