Inspiration

We all experience moments when our creativity needs a boost, and this is when a little research can help to reignite our imagination. Try exploring different mediums and genres to deepen your understanding of storytelling techniques you can apply to your own writing.

Books

Try genres you wouldn’t normally read. Genre-hopping often sparks new ideas, and on Amazon and KU, you’ll find authors blending genres in unique and unexpected ways. For example, the post-apocalypse series Resurrection Chronicles by M.J. Haag, blends zombies, gray-skinned elves, and romance.

Anime

Many anime series contain intricate plots and complex characters, with great examples of layered storytelling and deep themes. Psycho Pass explores the theme of order vs. freedom, with the villain trying to free society from the oppressive AI, while the hero is helping it to suppress free will.

K-Dramas

K-dramas excel at character-driven conflict and high-stakes tension. Revenge dramas like The Glory blend suspense and emotional depth, keeping viewers hooked until the end. K-dramas often explore deep, relatable themes.

Movies

In usually less than a couple of hours, movies offer quick lessons in pacing, character arcs, and visual storytelling. Given the amount of genres they cover, you’re sure to find something that can inspire you.

TV Shows

TV series allow for multi-layered plots and character development across multiple episodes. One of my favorites, Fallout Shelter, brings out the complexities of survival and morality in a post-apocalyptic world and is a great example of how subplots can deepen the main story.

YouTube

YouTube has a wealth of writing inspiration—check out channels like Trope Talk for insights on genre conventions, character building, and more. If that doesn’t interest you, there are multiple channels that focus on writing and books.

Our World

Real-life human conflict and relationships offer endless storytelling inspiration. From global conflicts, political cults, and deeply moving human stories, there is a wealth of material to draw upon.

Final thoughts

Great stories can come from anywhere, so the next time you feel you’ve lost inspiration, try looking for it in something new. Don’t wait for your story to find you. Go out and look for it.