How to Decide What to Write a Fiction Book About
Deciding what to write a fiction book about can be a deeply personal and creative process. Here are some strategies to help you find inspiration.
Personal Experiences
Reflect on your own life experiences, emotions, and relationships. Often, personal stories can be transformed into compelling narratives. Drawing from your own life can give your book a unique and authentic touch. Personal experiences are not only relatable but also deeply moving.
What-If Scenarios
Consider intriguing 'what-if' scenarios to spark your imagination. What if the world was ruled by an artificial intelligence? What if a magician could control the weather? These scenarios can lead to adventurous and thought-provoking stories.
Themes and Messages
Think about the themes you want to explore, such as love, loss, identity, or social issues. A strong theme can guide your story and characters, making them more coherent and meaningful. You can choose themes that resonate with you or that address broader societal issues, making your book a powerful tool for reflection and discussion.
Character Development
Sometimes, starting with a character can lead to a story. Create a character with distinct traits, desires, and conflicts, and let them drive the plot. Well-developed characters can bring depth and emotion to your story, making readers care about what happens to them.
Setting and World-Building
A unique setting can inspire a story. Consider different time periods, cultures, or fantastical worlds and how they influence the characters and plot. The setting can be a powerful tool for creating atmosphere and adding layers to your narrative.
Impact of Current Events and Issues
Look at the world around you. Social, political, or environmental issues can provide relevant and thought-provoking material for your story. For example, the issue of climate change can be explored in a dystopian setting, or the struggle for social equality can be the core of your narrative. These themes make your book more timely and impactful.
Inspiration from Other Works
Dreams and Imagination
Pay attention to your dreams or daydreams. They can be a rich source of inspiration for surreal or imaginative stories. Sometimes, the most unexpected and interesting ideas come from the subconscious mind.
Writing Prompts and Exercises
Use writing prompts or exercises to kickstart your creativity. These can help you think outside the box and generate new ideas. Whether you choose a writing prompt or create your own exercise, the goal is to stimulate your imagination and encourage new perspectives.
Emotional Resonance and Social Impact
Much of the time, the most compelling ideas are rooted in strong emotional responses. The obscene treatment of historical figures or tragic events, for example, can lead to powerful stories. Personally, I often decide to set a book around a specific subject that annoys, irritates, exasperates, or drives me to 'foaming at the mouth' rage. For instance, one book was set against the backdrop of the horrific treatment of knights of the Order of the Temple, and another was focused on a chilling narrative of children committing a heinous crime. In my historical fiction, I take current issues and set them centuries ago to provide historical context and offer a fresh perspective.
Ultimately, the best idea is one that excites you and feels meaningful. Your passion for the subject will come through in your writing, making your book not just entertaining but also thought-provoking and impactful.