How to Find Sparks and Turn It to Writing Ideas?
Writing a story is like planting a big tree, and before you plant a tree, you must first find a seed.
In writing, the “spark” is the seed. The seed is the idea or thought that initially prompted you to write. It can come from a character, a myth, legend, or an interesting conversation you happened to overhear.
The small seed is planted in your heart, and it reminds you of its existence from time to time. Because of it, you have a desire to write. That’s the most original motivation for writing——the seed in your heart must sprout. Before you start writing, though, there must be a desire to write and an impulse to express your ideas.
That is to say: the spark must be there.
Unfortunately, sparks do not pop up magically. Good writers must pay attention and build “spark banks.” But how to find sparks?
Here are some tips:
1.1 Over-Fantasy sparks:
Collect sparks that pop up in your mind in your daily life.
This kind of sparks may come from one of your dreams, an inspiration you got while watching a movie, or dialogue between you and your friends.
These sparks may seem bizarre, but on the contrary, they are excellent materials for writing. Taking notes on these fantasies from time to time can help improve your writing.
1.2 Indirect Sparks:
Those sparks come to you when you are reading and watching films. Examples include classic plots and interesting ways that characters are introduced in scenes. The sparks of this kind offer writers’ practical and significant guidance.
1.3 Life sparks:
Those sparks come from models of characters and events that you encounter in your everyday life. Those inspirations may stem from an encounter with your sexy neighbor, a visit with your doctor cousin, or a quarrel between friends.
1.4 News Sparks:
Sparks of this kind come from the news you browse online every day and events that are trending on social media. You can record the points that resonate with you and turn them into suitable writing materials.