How to Generate Ideas to Write a Novel

You want to write a novel. Then, when you sit to write it, the ideas seem to have disappeared. You have writer's block before you've typed a word.

How do you generate ideas to write a book, especially when the 'ideas
well' has run dry?

First, understand this: 'I have nothing to write about' is never, ever true. There are ideas everywhere when you choose to look for them.

So where does one get inspiration from?

For starters, think of a dramatic or unique experience in your own life. You can write a book about just that scene, with changed names and some altered details. For instance, begin with the bike wreck you had when
you were ten, and expand the story to write a book about an accident-prone boy who becomes a stuntman.

If your life doesn't inspire you to write a book, turn to the news or the paper. Write a fictional retelling of a newspaper article that fired your imagination. Transcribe a conversation you overheard in a restaurant, and expand it into a scene. See where it takes you-just start writing. Always ask the next question. If you see something interesting, ask yourself, 'What happens next?'

If all else fails, look around you and pick an object-a pencil, a chair, a sandwich. Imagine it in a different location, and write about what happens in that location. Once you start to get your imagination working it will quickly get easier and more fun.

A good suggestion is to carry a small notebook with you everywhere
you go.

Anything you see or experience, from a billboard advertisement to the smell of a campfire, can be the inspiration for you to continue your novel. Jot it down right at that moment, so you won't find the inspiration gone when you sit at your desk to write. Always be prepared for great ideas to come your way!

A great tip is to set aside time everyday to write your book, often sitting down and writing something, anything, will give you the momentum to continue your story and generate new ideas. If you can't think of anything, just start writing about how you feel about not being able to write. Once you get your momentum going you'll be surprised where your thoughts will lead, and you'll soon trick your mind into being able to write at will.

Finally, if all else fails are you are totally stuck, go and do something else like take a bath, get a massage or simply take a walk. By letting your right brain take over you often will get the inspiration and ideas to flow again.

BookPal is helping self publishers all around the world to successfully self publish and market their books with cost effective solutions to create bestsellers. The website offers a free book for budding self publishers, and many other free resources.

Terence Tam is the founder of Bookpal, he previously spent 6 years as an academic and was a contributing author for several academic books. Frustrated with the level of service he was getting with traditional publishers, he set up his own self publishing company to help other authors publish and market books with cost effective yet efficient solutions.