How to Come Up with a Story

"Erika." Image copyright 2010, MJB Home Entertainment, LLC

Look at that picture... who is that girl? What is she thinking about? Is there something going on that the audience doesn't know just yet? Is someone looking at her through the window? Or is she looking up at something important? It's up to you.

Sometimes I try to come up with interesting stories and just can't seem to figure out what to write about. Well fortunately I came up with some questions for myself with all different tricks to help come up with a story idea. I hope they can help you too.

1. Look around you right now and spot an object in the room that interests you. Is there something special about this object that could make it worth fighting for, or even dying for? Is there an object you can make up in your head that is?

2. If you couldn't think of any objects think of a person. Is there someone you know that could be thrust into a situation that is the exact polar opposite of who they are and what they stand for? What would they do? Remember, the more intense the conflict, the better the story (as long as you can resolve the conflict).

3. If you can't think of a person for step 2, what about if something happened to you today? Even if it was the most boring thing. Did you get pulled over by a cop? Did someone yell at you? Did your teacher take away your cell phone? All o these little occurrences can be magnified. Give the person who did something to you an ulterior motive. Maybe the cop had a run in with your parent and wants to get back at your family, or he's actually a crazy person pretending to be a cop. Maybe the person who yelled at you thought you were someone else who they hate, and now they are going to come after you. Maybe the teacher is a creeper and likes you, and just wants you to have to see him or her after school... Now take the YOU and change it to a character who has quirks and let those traits come out and throw the story in a new direction.

You like these ideas? Check out some more of my articles, on acting and headshots.