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Authors can use anything for inspiration. The world is an oyster for an imaginative writer, but how do they successfully create a plot from absolutely anything?

Every idea, every story starts somewhere. Whether from a dream or simply through an observation of mundane activities, authors rely on a spark to get their creative juices going.

To some, coming up with an idea is the most challenging part of writing. It’s the biggest obstacle they face before arriving at the smoother surface of connecting events and resolving conflicts.

However, the grandeur of this jump-start doesn’t matter.

The idea doesn’t have to be magnificent for it to be effective and become a masterpiece. But as authors, they only want to write what’s best, and this requires choosing an excellent ingredient. But figuring out what they want to focus on is like selecting an option out of many preferential choices. Everything seems like the best until the other is considered, and the cycle continues until it becomes an exhausting circle of considering every possible idea all at once.

How Can They Unload This Burden?

The world is filled with many possible muses. The upside is that authors may never run out of inspiration, but the downside is the possibility of being overwhelmed. There are so many that it can be impossible to pick one. Having multiple excellent options is exciting, but when it’s an overabundance, where does one begin?

No two authors get inspired by the same process. Their minds work differently. Some go out and be one with nature, hoping that the skies, the seas, and anything in between will become their muse. While others, those gifted enough, can straightforwardly pick any object to star in their tales. They can choose any object and create a plot with it, weaving an exciting journey around the item.

For instance, in one of the captivating fictional worlds by Jeff Lucier, the author has written an entertaining story out of a single object: a mini Cooper. Although the story revolves around a historical event that doesn’t require any more world-building or any complicated plot design, how he created a story out of it is undeniably impressive. Whether it’s a short story, a children’s book, or a couple-thousand-word novel, everything starts from an idea.

How to Create a Plot From an Item

Before authors can create a plot, they must select a foundation – a muse that excites them daily to open their drafts and continue their journey. And yet, with the beauty of mundanity and the potential within everything, how can authors create a plot from a single possible item?

Writing stories isn’t as simple as documenting and narrating a piece of news that exists. It doesn’t happen simply by describing the object in the same way as news writers recount an event. Instead, it still requires creativity, which may not come from anything. So, how can authors create a plot that’s exciting and isn’t exhausting for them to finish?

Choose a Muse

The muse must be the first thing authors have to consider. Again, this process is different from one author to another. Hence, authors have to think outside the box to find an inspiring enough object. They have to go out and about to find that one thing, big or small, to fuel their creativity. To create a plot, they must have something consequential enough to write around. They must also have an inkling of the story they wish to make beforehand.

Detail Your Muse

Whatever authors have chosen will become a character in their story. Hence, to help them draft an initial storyline, they must work their way to describe their muse exhaustively. This can give them some ideas for the events they need to create a plot and a conflict. By defining their muse, they can develop a prompt that will help them mold a storyline.

Create a Protagonist

Sometimes, the muse doesn’t necessarily have to be the protagonist. They can serve a pivotal role, a treasure the character has to find, but they do not necessarily take the lead. Admittedly, writing about a single item can be challenging beyond a children’s perspective. But with loads of creativity and imagination, anything can be possible.

Characters are a consequential element in helping authors create a plot. They can be the driving force leading the story’s ups and downs and shaping the conflict.

Lastly, Write the Story

A muse shouldn’t just be a muse. Instead, it should be a motivator to create and finish a project. Once authors have chosen an object and their characters, it’s time to piece everything together. From start to finish, the story must be centered on a single core conflict that needs to be resolved. This way, authors don’t risk losing themselves and the flow of the story.

Experiment a little with the plot, and don’t hesitate to step outside the box. A good story only succeeds if authors risk a little and dabble into uncharted territories. These bring a unique touch and a captivating element to the novel.