Writing Stories
Cultivating Story Ideas
Writing fiction novels or short stories is an art in itself because it takes a degree of effort to come up with new story ideas; especially ones writers may think are dramatic and engaging. At times authors do go through that stage where they finish one book or one short story and do not know what they are going to write about next. There are a few activities authors can do that will help cultivate new story ideas.
Watch a Movie or Television Show
Most movies and television shows have excellent story plots that are compelling and engaging. Believe it or not, even reality television shows, talk shows and news casts have the strong ability to engage millions of viewers.
Going to a theatre to watch a feature film or turning on the television to watch a sitcom is actually a really good idea for writers and authors. Viewing various films or television shows can actually stimulate the right lobes of the brain that are responsible for creativity. Often, authors will get ideas for their next great novel or short story simply by watching movies or television shows.
Travel to a Neighbouring Town or City
On a day off work, take a day trip to a neighbouring town or city. If possible take a holiday to a foreign country. A trip to a new city or country will allow writers to interact with people of diverse cultures and ethnicities. This will provide for some excellent life experiences and a diversion from the ordinary life at home. While traveling in another country or city writers should take note of the architecture of buildings, visit libraries and museums and talk to people. Get to know the history of that city or country. The more writers know the more stories they will be able to cultivate.
Going to Starbucks for a Coffee
Writers can head off to their local Starbucks for coffee on a lunch break or on a day off work. All a writer has to do in Starbucks is sit down with a steaming hot cup of coffee and listen in on the conversations around him or her. One would be surprised at all the intriguing gossip that people come up with. Writers should open their ears and try to take as many notes of the conversations around them. However, while doing this, they should be quite discrete about their eavesdropping activities. Nevertheless, taking notes of conversations just might cultivate potential blockbuster story ideas.
A writer should always record story ideas in a journal or on a napkin. That way they always have something to refresh their memory. More importantly, a writer should never think to hard about ideas. Thinking to hard can causes stress and actually has the effect of slowing the thinking process. The creative imagination works much better when the brain is relaxed.
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