As writers and creatives, we’re always on the look out for unique story ideas. But sometimes our minds draw a blank about what to write or how to kickstart the imagination.

I’ve found over the years that the best source of story ideas is my personal experience and my reaction to what’s happening in the world – from the people I know (and don’t know) to the places I’ve visited and the books I’ve read. Everywhere you look, you’ll find some nugget of inspiration. Awareness and staying relaxed are keys.

When you’re struggling to find good story ideas, there are a few things you can try to shake up the creative genius within you.

1. Start people-watching. Choose a semi-crowded public space, like a cafe, a bookshop or a doctor’s office. Settle in somewhere where you can observe the people around you. When you notice someone intriguing, create a story about them.  For example, the barista serving your coffee looks harassed and distracted. Imagine what her story could be. Write her as the protagonist in your story, give her a different name, then reimagine why she is so distracted on the job.

2. Watch a movie or TV episode. Sometimes watching a movie or TV show can spark an idea for a new story. Perhaps you didn’t like how the movie ended. Rewrite it the way you think it should have ended. Maybe you were intrigued by a minor character. Why not draft a new story featuring that minor character that intrigued you.

3. Re-read a beloved book. When you’re feeling stuck, sometimes reading a beloved book can spark an idea or reinspire you to write again. This time, though, pay attention to the subplots and minor characters. Challenge yourself to create a new story for that minor character.

4. Look through photographs. Photographs have a way of telling a story through images and symbols. There’s always a story behind that photo. Find one that speaks to you. Author Sarah Addison Allen posts a super-short story every Sunday on her social media inspired by a random photo. Each story is only about 200 words, but they capture the mood and spirit of the photo. Browse through magazines or check out photo sites on the web to find one that inspires you, then write the story that inspires you from it.

5. Re-visit a place that you loved as a child. Is there a place you and your family visited when you were younger that brought you happy memories? Consider writing a story set in that locale, capturing all the details to make it authentic. Write about the food, the architecture, landmarks, the people, the sights and the sounds that you remember. Any memorable setting can inspire a fresh new story.

6. Read the newspaper or a magazine. Stay current on today’s news. Learn about current events or read profiles of outstanding people, especially those who have overcome struggles to achieve greatness. Re-imagine those events for your story, or re-create those people as characters. Much of what you see in best-selling novels borrow from news stories.

7. Recall your dreams. Keep a dream journal and jot down the dream with as much detail as you can recall. Note how you felt within that dream. If you’ve ever dreamed of falling, being chased or watching a storm, those moments can be captured for your creative work, especially as you capture your emotional response in that dream.

8. Play the game of “What if?” If you’re feeling stuck, try using this writing prompt to get the creative ideas flowing. On a sheet of paper, write “what if?” at the top. Then create a bullet point list of possible answers. For example, what if someone woke up one morning and found that their teeth were missing? Or what if one of your beloved childhood pets came back to life and visited you? That one simple question can unlock possibilities you hadn’t expected.

9. Use a story prompt generator. If you’re really desperate to find ideas, you can always use a story prompt generator like Reedsy or Service Scape. You can use the ones provided or change it up with a different setting or relationship dynamic. 

If you prefer to find your story ideas more organically, the following tips might be helpful:

* Relax your mind and your body. I think some of my best ideas have come to me while in the shower or waking up from sleep. When your brain is overstimulated, the ideas won’t flow, no matter how much you try to prime the pump. So find ways to relax your mind so your imagination operates more efficiently and sends story ideas to you.

* Be aware of your surroundings. Wherever you go, whether it’s the grocery store, the doctor’s office or the local pub, note the people and the settings you pass by. Be an unobtrusive observer of life. I suggest carrying a small notebook to take notes of what you see or record them on your phone, especially if it’s an unusual place, person or conversation.

* Be aware of how you react to certain events and people in your own life. This is more an internal assessment rather than an external observation mentioned above. The more intense reactions will clue you in to what you feel is important about that experience. Then use that experience to mold a fresh new story idea.

Story ideas abound all around us. Stay relaxed and be aware of the people and situations around you, and you’ll never run out of story ideas.