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by Ivy Shelden
& Sarah Cha
on
Stumped for book ideas? This post will help get your creative energy flowing and take you from stuck to inspired in no time.
As a professional ghostwriter and book coach, I’ve helped plenty of new writers cultivate book ideas that they’re excited to write, and that will resonate with readers.
This post will explain what makes a great book idea, and I’ll give you 15 strategies for unearthing ideas when you’re feeling stumped.
Now then — are you ready to get kick writer’s block to the curb and get your book going?
Let’s get started.
At the heart of every book lies a core concept that either speaks to readers or flops.
To truly resonate, a good book idea should offer one or more of the following characteristics:
Understanding what makes a book idea truly impactful can be the difference between your reader tossing your book to the side after a few pages, or reading till the end and then telling all their friends.
By focusing on resonance, depth, and emotional connection, you can craft stories that not only captivate but stick with the reader for a lifetime.
Every writer, seasoned or amateur, hits a wall at some point when coming up with their next groundbreaking book idea. And although scaling that wall isn’t going to be easy, the following strategies will throw you a rope and have you climbing in no time.
Stories rooted in personal experiences convey an authenticity that’s hard to replicate. The vulnerability and raw emotion from these stories draw readers into their depths, making them relatable and memorable.
Speculative thinking has always been the driving force behind many literary masterpieces. By posing a simple “what if?” question, a cascade of narrative possibilities arises.
World history, with its endless stories of heroism, betrayal, love, and intrigue, can be a goldmine for authors.
By adding a touch of imagination, you can give these stories a fresh, compelling spin.
Our world is constantly changing, so it’s important for your book ideas to stay relevant.
Using contemporary events as a foundation not only gives a narrative immediacy but also ensures resonance with today’s readers.
Not every idea, no matter how promising at its inception, translates into a bestseller. However, missteps and initial failures are not wasted efforts — they’re learning experiences that can lead to more refined, compelling stories.
Literature doesn’t exist in isolation. The broader world of arts — paintings, photographs, music, and even cinema — can serve as a wellspring of inspiration for writers.
Ever consider mixing genres? Diversifying book ideas can help spark your creativity and resonate with a broader readership.
Alright, so we’ve covered some sources of inspiration for your next book idea. Next, we’ll really get your creativity revved up with some actionable exercises to bring your ideas into reality.
Begin with a central word or theme in the middle of a page. Then, branch out with related thoughts, characters, settings, and conflicts. This visually represents how one idea can sprout many others, showing potential paths for your narrative.
Dedicate a set amount of time every day to write. For example, you could respond to writing prompts. This can be a single word, a question, or an image. Not only does it stimulate creativity, but over time, you might find recurring themes or ideas worth exploring.
Spend an afternoon in a public place, discreetly eavesdropping on conversations. The way people speak, the stories they share, and the emotions they express can be springboards for character development and storylines.
Check out photo-sharing platforms like Pinterest or Instagram. Choose an image and craft a backstory for it. Is it a haunted house? A meeting between estranged lovers? The more photos you explore, the more narratives you’ll uncover.
Pick three random words from a dictionary. Try to craft a story or scene that incorporates all three. It’s a challenge, but it pushes your creativity to unexpected places.
Think about a past event in your life. Now, reimagine it set 100 years in the future. How do the surroundings change? What technology is present? This blends personal experience with speculative fiction techniques.
Create a fictional character and conduct an “interview” with them. Ask them about their fears, dreams, and secrets. This deepens your understanding of them and often unveils potential plot points or conflicts.
Software solutions like plot generators can give you a nudge when you’re dealing with writer’s block, or you can use structured narrative tools that offer outlines based on classic storytelling arcs.
These simple exercises will not only hone your skills but also keep the creative juices flowing, making you more likely to find that next genius book idea just around the corner.
It’s fun to get inspired by your book ideas, but you have to remember you book is also a creative commitment. When you have that brilliant book idea, the true challenge lies in bringing it to life.
To translate your idea into a compelling draft, consider these steps:
Hopefully reading this post has already got you churning with book ideas.
And if you’re still stuck, keep at it.
Sometimes, your book idea is hidden deep within your consciousness, and it takes a while to dig it out.
But trust me, it’s there.
So keep showing up at your computer, brainstorming and completing some of these exercises.
Soon, the perfect book idea will surface, and you’ll be ready to bring it to life!
Write a Book
This post was originally published on August 23rd, 2023 by Sarah Cha. It has been updated for clarity and comprehensiveness.
Ivy Shelden
Ivy Shelden is Associate Editor at Smart Blogger and book coach for Smart Blogger’s Book Writing Sprint. She enjoys helping authors discover and validate their book ideas, then turn them into published works. Sarah Cha is an avid writer, reader, and lifelong learner who help conduct 20+ hours of research for this post.
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