The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
This month’s question revolves around someone saying, “99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?”
Where Do My Story Ideas Come From?
I’m frequently asked where I get my story ideas and the answer can be covered in one word:
Everywhere
Here’s a sampling of some of the places I get my ideas from.
- Dreams – but only two ideas have come from a dream. Really dark crime-filled dreams, one of which had me questioning reality. So vivid, I woke up wondering how it was that no one had found the body yet.
- Conversations – mostly those I overhear in the booth next to me.
- Books – a location, situation, or just a sentence can send me on a what if adventure.
- Movies – especially those that have been redone in a creatively different way. I’m spurred by the originality that has me going down the what if rabbit hole.
- Voices – yes, the ones I hear. It’s amazing how a character starts whispering in my ear, inspired by any of these other ideas, and starts laying out their idea of the storyline.
- Landscapes & locations – the possibilities that pop up are magical
- Old Houses – I don’t know what it is, but the minute I see certain old houses, lighthouses, bridges, and other structures, I hear/see the story too. It’s as if I’ve stepped into another era.
If you see me reading, then suddenly looking up and staring out the window… a new story has come to mind.
If I lived to be 300, I would never get to write all the stories that have been gifted to me.
So many stories to tell, so little time.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writers. This group is all about connecting!
Behind the Scenes with Diana Stout, MFA, PhD 
Couldn’t enter a like – wouldn’t work connected at once with your thoughts on old houses,
Book I began to write exists only as a very rough draft, but that place where I lived for barely three years still haunts, years after leaving, And I try not to believe in ghosts,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your response, Esther. Since I communicate regularly with those on the other side, paranormal stories don’t frighten me in the least, BUT I did start a horror screenplay about 20 years ago on Halloween night and frightened myself so badly, I only returned to it just this year. LOL
LikeLike
Oh my! I don’t like those kinds of scary dreams. I use to get ideas when I was out and wrote them on pieces of paper I found in my purse. LOL. I wonder what ever happened to them? I’m Gwen, co-hosting for the IWSG today. https://gwengardner.blogspot.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Gwen! Thanks for responding. Love your story about the scary story ideas just vanishing. Happy Writing!
LikeLike
Writers are sponges. We soak up everything then sort it out for usefulness later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooooo, I love this comment. It’s so true!!!!! It’s only this past year that I’ve been able to let go of research (books, movies, files), acknowledging that I probably won’t be writing about those topics anymore. Thanks for visiting, Nancy!! 🙂
LikeLike