When I’m ready to think about starting a new manuscript, the very first thing I do, before I even begin brainstorming, is revisit my favorite list of all time.
This is the list that reminds me why I love to write. It helps me to remember all of the potential for great stories out there, and most of all, it inspires me with all of the things I still want to write about. Because it forces me to ask just that:
What do I want to write about?
This is a list that I add to and rewrite and change all the time. It’s a springboard of ideas, both vague and specific.
I love working on this list, because it makes me excited, both for stories I haven’t written, and for books that I have that cross off items from the list. But most of all, it serves as guaranteed inspiration to launch me into brainstorming.
The list can include anything, from a specific manuscript idea to overcoming a struggle you have with writing. It can be an image, a character name, a trait, an idea, a world, a writing characteristic, or a goal.
I’ve rewritten my list several times (in part because I keep losing the hard copy, but never mind that). To give you an idea, here are a few items on my most recent list:
- Diverse characters
- Rich, interesting worlds
- Combining Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Flawed characters
- Sympathetic antagonists
- Ninjas
I also have some characters names and more plot-specific items, but hopefully you get the idea.
This is the list I go to whenever I’m low on inspiration, or am struggling while trying to brainstorm, or even just want a refresher. It’s my favorite list, and one that I intend to continue to use over the years.
Do you have a what I want to write about list? What are some items that are (or would be) on it?
Twitter-sized bites:
Do you keep a list of what you want to write about? Here's why one writer swears by it. (Click to tweet)
What do YOU want to write about? Writer @Ava_Jae shares her favorite inspiration list. (Click to tweet)
