12 of the Oddest Things Writers Do to Get Story Ideas
Let’s start with a dozen
Writers often have unique and unconventional methods for generating story ideas. Here are twelve of the oddest or most unusual techniques some writers have used.
Dream Journals
Some writers keep dream journals, recording their dreams as soon as they wake up. They believe that the bizarre and surreal nature of dreams can lead to intriguing plotlines and characters.
Random Word Generators
Using online random word generators, writers create lists of random words and challenge themselves to incorporate them into a story. This can lead to unexpected connections and ideas.
Historical Research on Obscure Topics
Some writers dive deep into obscure historical events or figures that are not widely known. They find inspiration in unusual aspects of history, such as the life of a lesser-known inventor or a bizarre historical incident.
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Listening to Unusual Music Genres
Writers might immerse themselves in strange or niche music genres — like ambient noise, throat singing, or experimental jazz — to evoke certain emotions or imagery that sparks story ideas.
People-Watching
Sitting in a public place and observing strangers can lead to interesting story concepts. Writers may create backstories for people they see, imagining their lives, relationships, and secrets.
Writing Prompts from Fortune Cookies
Some writers open fortune cookies and use the messages inside as writing prompts. The often vague and cryptic nature of these fortunes can lead to creative interpretations.
Reverse Storytelling
Instead of starting with a premise or character, some writers begin with an ending and work backward. They plot how the characters arrive at that conclusion, allowing for unexpected twists and developments.
Creating a Character from a Name
Some writers generate character ideas by randomly choosing names from a phone book or online database. They then build a character around that name, exploring personality traits and motivations.
Unusual Art Styles
Writers have sought inspiration from unusual or lesser-known art styles — like outsider art or specific cultural art forms. They may envision stories that encapsulate the emotions or themes represented in the artwork.
Unusual Locations
Visiting strange or abandoned places — like ghost towns, old factories, or quirky museums — can inspire writers to develop stories based on the atmosphere and history of these locations.
Participating in Odd Challenges
Writers sometimes engage in strange challenges, such as writing a story in an hour using only a specific set of words or writing a piece entirely in haiku form, forcing them to think outside the box.
Utilizing the “What If?” Technique
Some writers make a list of bizarre “what if” scenarios, such as “What if animals could talk?” or “What if time travel was a common mode of transportation?” These prompts can lead to unique and imaginative storylines.
These unconventional methods demonstrate the diverse and often quirky approaches writers take to inspire creativity and generate new ideas.
What do you think of these techniques?
Would any of them resonate with your writing process?
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