How to Generate Great Story Ideas

This presentation from Reedsy's Tom Bromley is designed to help you explore the foundations of imagination, creativity, and idea generation. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or grappling with a creative block, these strategies can guide you toward a more imaginative and productive approach to writing.

This is a summary of Tom's hour-long livestream. To hear him go into more detail (and for a full reading of his short story, "Rings"), you can use the time stamps featured below.

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Exploring Your Imagination (09:30)

Think of your imagination as having three levels:

1. Visualization: Begin with the basics—the ability to mentally recreate familiar objects or scenes.
2. Combination: Take existing elements and merge them to form something new, like envisioning a Pegasus by combining a horse and wings.
3. True Creativity: This is where you create something entirely unique, transcending the sum of its parts.

Understanding the history of imagination can also help you connect with your creative potential. For centuries, imagination was undervalued and seen as a distraction from reason. Today, it’s celebrated as the key to creativity, with philosophers, artists, and writers paving the way for its development.

Using Your Imagination (17:08)

To fuel your imagination, you must first sharpen your powers of observation. Pay attention to the details around you—the subtle changes in light, texture, or sound. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and David Hockney built their masterpieces by observing deeply and interpreting what they saw.

You can do the same. Spend time in nature, keep a notebook handy, and practice looking more closely than you usually would. For example, when you walk through a forest, pause to notice the interplay of sunlight and shadow, the unique shapes of trees, and the textures of bark. The deeper you look, the more inspiration you’ll find.

Remember, observation isn’t just about seeing—it’s about understanding. Whether you’re watching the world outside your window or reflecting on your inner thoughts, observation lays the groundwork for your creative ideas.

Types of Ideas (40:40)

When it comes to idea generation, think of it as a process of combining and transforming what’s already around you. Here are five ways ideas can emerge:

1. Adjacent Possibilities: Build on existing concepts to create something new. Look at the tools or ideas you already have and imagine how you could adapt them.
2. Liquid Networks: Surround yourself with environments or communities that encourage collaboration and idea exchange.
3. Serendipity: Be open to happy accidents—they often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
4. Mistakes: Don’t fear failure; use it to learn and refine your work.
5. Exaptation: Borrow ideas from one domain and apply them to another, like adapting a wine press to invent the printing press.

As a writer, you can create a personal “liquid network” by engaging with diverse sources—books, art, conversations, and even your own experiences. The more varied the input, the more creative your output will be.

Illustrating the Principles with "Rings" (48:50)

To demonstrate how these principles come together, Tom Bromley shared his short story, "Rings". Set on New Year’s Day, the story draws on keen observation, symbolic connections, and the subconscious processing of ideas. It’s an example of how you can use your surroundings and personal experiences to craft a meaningful narrative.

• Observation: Tom’s story vividly describes the misty hills, the wildlife, and the small details of the protagonist’s run. These observations ground the story in a tangible setting.
• Connections: The story weaves together different symbolic “rings,” from the physical ramparts of Old Sarum to the emotional weight of a missing wedding ring and a metaphorical ring of fat around the protagonist’s waist. These links add depth and coherence to the narrative.
• Serendipity: Written just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the story’s hopeful tone took on unexpected poignancy as readers reflected on its themes during a time of global uncertainty.
• The Subconscious: Tom allowed his subconscious to work on the story’s structure and themes during walks, illustrating how stepping away from the desk can lead to creative breakthroughs.

The story embodies the techniques discussed and serves as an example of how even a short 800-word piece can resonate deeply when imagination, observation, and idea generation come together.

Final Takeaways for Your Creative Growth (59:20)

To boost your creativity and generate more ideas:

1. Practice Often: Use your imagination daily to keep it sharp.
2. Observe Better: Look closely at the world and record your discoveries.
3. Create Connections: Link observations and ideas in new ways.
4. Give Yourself Space: Let your subconscious process your ideas.
5. Experiment Freely: Take risks and embrace the unexpected.

Remember, creativity thrives on curiosity and persistence. The more you engage with your imagination, the stronger and more original your ideas will become. So start today—observe, connect, and create. The possibilities are endless.

This is your roadmap to nurturing your creativity and generating the ideas that will shape your writing. All you need to do is take the first step.