Dawn Alexander

We post story inspiration every week on the Evident Ink Instagram account. Here are some bonus tips for finding that spark of an idea. 

1. Eavesdrop and observe*

I have always been an avid people watcher. Humans are a fascinating, wacky bunch. Airports and casinos are some of the best places to watch but really anywhere that you can see and hear others can be a fertile ground for story inspiration. Even just the small snippets of conversation around you can spark a story.  

For example, a writer friend and I once became way too invested in a stranger’s date at a restaurant in New York City. The guy was seated at the table next to us and absolutely could not sit still. As soon as we heard him tell the waiter he was waiting for someone, we started creating several different storylines for what could happen next. At one point, we were terrified that he’d been stood up until he bolted from his chair and embraced a beautiful girl in an adorable little black dress who profusely apologized for being late. Our stories got even better from there! 

Check out the people around. What are they doing? What are they saying? What could you make from that? 

*I realize this suggestion probably isn’t as useful now as it would have been in the past. Tuck it away for later if you need to. Be safe. Make good choices. Wear your mask. 

2. Song lyrics 

I love songs that tell stories. Country music in particular is amazing for that but just about any genre has some kind of storytelling involved. Pick a few lines that really speak to you and build from that. 

I’ve worked with authors who listen to the same song on repeat while working on the scene that it inspired. I also have authors who have written whole books based on the image a single song created in their mind. 

A fun spin on this is the “shuffle challenge.” This went around social media a few years ago. The idea is to put a playlist (or your entire song library if you’re feeling extra adventurous) on shuffle then use the songs to inspire scenes that you weave into a story. 

When I tried this I came up with: 

Lips of an Angel- Jack Ingram (which has a video that could get some creative ideas going)

Viva La Vida- Coldplay 

Against the Wind- Bob Seger 

Remember When- Alan Jackson

Not Ready to Make Nice- Sasha Allen

Another related option for this is checking out the fan-made videos on YouTube. You’ll find a mash-up of songs and scenes from shows and movies that can be a jumping point to write your own version.

3. Pictures 

Google images, Pinterest, Getty images, and stock photo sites like Pixabay are all your friends! Dig in and find a visual that moves you. Not sure what you’re looking for? Start broad. What is your setting? City? Woods? Beach? Search for those. Need a character? Pick something you already know. Tall? Freckled? Professional golfer? Find the one that intrigues you and create a story just for them. 

4. News Stories 

Skip the national news and go for the local human interest stories. A stranger helping a stranger can make a sweet meet-cute or an inciting incident for a thriller, whatever you want to do with it. There’s always another side to the story. Look for the motivation. 

For example, the man who has been arrested for breaking into four different red SUVs … why? What is he looking for? What does he need? How could you use that? 

5. Movie blurbs 

The little summaries (loglines) that pop up on Netflix or Prime video are a great place to look for story tropes and conflict. Use them as a starting point and twist your own tale. Most are written in a vague manner that allows for stretching the imagination. 

Another alternative is to turn the TV to the middle of any show (but it works better if it is one unfamiliar to you) watch one minute then turn it off and create the story leading up to that scene or the scenes that came right after it. 

Need more tips?  Check out our Instagram for weekly Story Starters or join the discussion in our Story Strategy Saloon!