I keep a journal filled with ideas for my blog and novel writing. Usually I jot down ideas as they hit me throughout the week—sometimes in the journal, often on the notes app on my mobile phone. Once in awhile, I think it would be fun to go on an idea hunt. You know—set aside fifteen minutes or an hour to hunt for interesting ideas.
Where to hunt? Last week, I was listening to Here and Now on NPR when I heard a crazy story called, “The Great Maple Syrup Heist.” It seems that someone stole about 18 million dollars worth of maple syrup. I immediately thought: what a great idea for a mystery novel. Here are some other places I hunt:
*Online news sources
*The hair salon, the gym, the coffee shop or anywhere else you can listen in on conversations.
*Talks given by docents at museums or zoos. If you can’t get out, try finding something similar on You Tube.
*Magazines. I especially like magazines on topics I know nothing about, like astronomy or plants.
*The Library. Head toward unfamiliar sections and pay attention to the titles that stir your curiosity.
*Children and Teens. Spend some time talking to kids about their life, and you’ll find a gazillion new ideas to work into your stories.
Your task: take fifteen minutes today and hunt for ideas.
Your turn: Where do you hunt for ideas? Leave your comments below.
