True art reveals the artist, whether a painting or a book, the idea is just the beginning. As our DNA makes us individual so do the words we use to express our ideas. I collect ideas in my journal, jotting down my thoughts, feelings or moments of insight. Ideas are everywhere, waiting to be embraced and expressed.
Fictionalize an actual event. Take a real life issue and approach it from a different direction. Always ask “What if?” An article about a new medication may become the basis for a story with mutant humans. The human interest piece about a good samaritan may become the story of a con artist.
Combine elements of various stories. Unrelated stories will yield surprising results. Take elements of an adventure story and mix in romance, or sci fi mixed with suspense. Make a list of stories you like and consider the elements which make them stand out. For example:
A lion cub is orphaned when his father is killed by a traitorous uncle. He grows up to avenge his father and take his rightful place as leader of the pack.
A woman and man correspond and fall in love before ever meeting face to face.
A girl is transported to a magical land and finds her way home with the help of her new friends.
A team of researchers travel to other worlds and encounter various life forms, some hostile and others friendly.
By combining parts of these stories, I can create something new and different.
A researcher who has traveled to other worlds is willing to sacrifice her career for a man she has never met face to face.
A girl is orphaned when her father is killed by a witch and she is banished to a magical realm. She must enlist the help of new friends to return home.
Tell a familiar story from a unique perspective. Start with any story and consider how the story could be told from another perspective. Tell the story from the villain’s viewpoint or make a supporting character the star of the show.
Imagine Robin Hood told from the perspective of a Sheriff trying to bring an outlaw to justice or Cinderella told by a step sister who is a social outcast and jealous of Cindy’s popularity with the boys.
Graham Green, an accomplished author, attributes his success to writing at least 500 words daily, whether he felt like it or not. Ideas are easy, creating a story from an idea is art.
