Finding inspiration for a novel is tough work. To help out a bit, I've compiled a few tips I've found useful for finding your inner muse.
1. Figure Out what Genre you LOVE
As I've stated before, you really need to write about what you LOVE. I think most people get caught up in what they feel OTHER people will love, but forget about what they're actually into. I'm talking real crazy passion here.
But seriously, whether movies or books, what genre captivates you the most? Are you a sic-fi geek? (LIKE ME!) Do you like thrillers or murder mysteries? Heck, do you like the more classic pieces such as Great Gatsby or Jane Eyre?
No matter what YOU write about, there is always going to be a group of people who are just as passionate about your topic as you. So don't be shy and write what you EXPECT people to like. Your audience will respect your writing more if it seems genuine and as though it's coming from your heart.
But seriously, whether movies or books, what genre captivates you the most? Are you a sic-fi geek? (LIKE ME!) Do you like thrillers or murder mysteries? Heck, do you like the more classic pieces such as Great Gatsby or Jane Eyre?
No matter what YOU write about, there is always going to be a group of people who are just as passionate about your topic as you. So don't be shy and write what you EXPECT people to like. Your audience will respect your writing more if it seems genuine and as though it's coming from your heart.
2. Meet New People
Another thing I've mentioned before. As far as characters are concerned, it helps to have real people to base these guys off of!
Now, of course I don't encourage you copying real people down to every mannerism, but let's be honest. If you have a broad cast of characters, it's very tough to keep each one consistent with their "values" that you've set for them. And consistency is key, in terms of separating them from the other folks you've written about.
But by meeting new people, you give yourself an opportunity. You can now "pin" your character to this new person and use them as sort of a reference. (Just don't make the comparisons out right obvious!)
And who knows, maybe this new person or friend you've met will give you a perspective you hadn't considered previously.
Now, of course I don't encourage you copying real people down to every mannerism, but let's be honest. If you have a broad cast of characters, it's very tough to keep each one consistent with their "values" that you've set for them. And consistency is key, in terms of separating them from the other folks you've written about.
But by meeting new people, you give yourself an opportunity. You can now "pin" your character to this new person and use them as sort of a reference. (Just don't make the comparisons out right obvious!)
And who knows, maybe this new person or friend you've met will give you a perspective you hadn't considered previously.
3. Listen to Music
If you're stuck in the middle of a chapter, or can't find the right opening scene (which is the HARDEST scene to write) just pop in your earbuds and crank up some music.
Music is very emotional, and like I said, you NEED emotions to write a book. Also music tells a STORY.
Sometimes, if you close your eyes while listening to a song, you can actually visualize your own story. And visualizing your characters, their expressions, how they feel and what the mood and setting is like is KEY for building drama and for building your own little believable universe.
People LOVE details, and listening to music is a great way to imagine these things.
Sometimes I find it best to actually make a playlist of tunes that correspond to the theme of what I'm writing about. (For example I would listen to nothing but movie scores by Hans Zimmer or Michael Giacchino)
Songs that will get you pumped up or relate to what you're writing about are the best.
Music is very emotional, and like I said, you NEED emotions to write a book. Also music tells a STORY.
Sometimes, if you close your eyes while listening to a song, you can actually visualize your own story. And visualizing your characters, their expressions, how they feel and what the mood and setting is like is KEY for building drama and for building your own little believable universe.
People LOVE details, and listening to music is a great way to imagine these things.
Sometimes I find it best to actually make a playlist of tunes that correspond to the theme of what I'm writing about. (For example I would listen to nothing but movie scores by Hans Zimmer or Michael Giacchino)
Songs that will get you pumped up or relate to what you're writing about are the best.
4. Go for a Walk
Perhaps the most anti-climactic piece of advice on this list, but nonetheless, equally powerful.
There's just something about a long, refreshing walk that gets the creative juices flowing - especially if you've been cooped up writing (or just brainstorming) all day! And wouldn't you think your brain would work best when it's most relaxed? Usually, when you clear your head, that's when your best idea's pop into them!
So go out there, get rid of any stress or frustrations you might be harboring toward the blank computer screen you've been staring at all day, and just relax. And who knows, you might just see something (or even just feel something) that sparks a new idea.
There's just something about a long, refreshing walk that gets the creative juices flowing - especially if you've been cooped up writing (or just brainstorming) all day! And wouldn't you think your brain would work best when it's most relaxed? Usually, when you clear your head, that's when your best idea's pop into them!
So go out there, get rid of any stress or frustrations you might be harboring toward the blank computer screen you've been staring at all day, and just relax. And who knows, you might just see something (or even just feel something) that sparks a new idea.
5. Get Out There and Experience Life!
Honestly, the best inspiration comes from experiencing real world things. Everything from love to heart break, even down to what it feels like to feel depressed and defeated are important emotions to harness. (After all, JK Rowling was able to use her feelings of depression to write about Dementors!)
Okay, I'm not saying get broken up with or be depressed, but I'm saying we write best about what we KNOW. And, whether your feelings are good or bad, it's important you channel these raw emotions into your work.
It's these wonderful things we call feelings that breathe life into our stories. And putting your emotions into your writing helps you CONNECT with your readers. Because everyone feels love, hatred, bliss and sorrow.
Take all your feelings - your hopes, your dreams, your ambitions and even your greatest fears - bundle them together and put them into your work!
Your story and your characters will be much better for it.
Okay, I'm not saying get broken up with or be depressed, but I'm saying we write best about what we KNOW. And, whether your feelings are good or bad, it's important you channel these raw emotions into your work.
It's these wonderful things we call feelings that breathe life into our stories. And putting your emotions into your writing helps you CONNECT with your readers. Because everyone feels love, hatred, bliss and sorrow.
Take all your feelings - your hopes, your dreams, your ambitions and even your greatest fears - bundle them together and put them into your work!
Your story and your characters will be much better for it.