No plot ideas
by Emily
(SC)
Question: I have no idea's for a story plot and or story line. I've been at this for hours- trying to find websites to help me with this writers block, but nothing seems to help. I just need a story line or idea because this is starting to get on my nerves. I can't think of anything. I kind of want it to center around a love story, but what kind? What's is it going to be about? I've been asking myself this for hours! So will you help me. List of ideas, please?
Answer: You don't want just any idea. You want an idea you feel truly passionate about - an idea so intriguing or exciting that it compels you to put in the months or years required to turn it into a novel and get it published. That's the way to create something you can feel proud of and that will deeply impact your eventual reader.
Such REALLY BIG IDEAS tend to come both from focus and time. They require patience and persistence.
However, while you are waiting for such an idea to come along, you can "prime the pump" by playing with other ideas. For instance, this article gives you one way to play with story ideas...
https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/writing-ideas.html
You can start with a love story you really like and use this method to create an original idea to work with.
Another method is to just take any premise (it could be as simple as "two people fall in love") and just start asking yourself questions about it. Any questions will do.
Who is the woman? Where does she live? What is the biggest obstacle in the relationship? Is it love at first sight or something quite different? Etc.
Make a long list of questions, and then go through the list making up answers. Then make another list of questions that stem from the answers to the first set. Keep doing this until a story emerges.
Playing with story ideas in this way may lead you to a story idea that grabs you. Or it may just help focus your subconscious on story ideas - clearing a path for the REALLY BIG IDEA that may hit you when you least expect it.
Be patient. Have fun. Stay focused.
Best of luck.
- Home
- Plot Questions
- No plot ideas
Search this site...
|
||
| site search by freefind |
100% Human Generated Content!
All
articles on this website were written by a human being -- one possessed of flaws and limitations, but also with a personal perspective and a desire to help fellow
writers. No article on this site was written by or with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).
Popular Articles
Mini-Course
Never be stuck for a great story idea again! This online mini-course will show you how to create simple ideas for original characters and build a plot around each character that contains the essential elements needed for a compelling story.
Recent Postings
-
How to Improve Your Writing
See how to improve your writing style for both fiction and nonfiction, without having to memorize a lot of rules.. -
How to Write with Style
How to Write with Style: Techniques to improve your fiction writing. -
Editing Your Own Book
Editing your own book stage one -- substantive editing
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero