Diving Into the Pool of Ideas: A Thriller Author’s Perspective

Being a thriller writer is an exciting yet scary journey into the human mind. Coming up with gripping stories that keep readers hooked requires a constant flow of new and captivating ideas. But what do you do when your creativity well runs dry and you’re left stranded in a desert of blank pages?

(My 3-Step Process for Overcoming the Blank Page.)

Every time I sit down to write, I worry that I’ve used up all my good ideas and there’s nothing left to explore. This is a common fear for many writers—the dreaded writer’s block. But I’ve come to realize that inspiration can strike at any moment, even in the most unexpected places.

Ideas have a funny way of showing up, sometimes when you least expect them. For me, it’s usually late at night when my mind comes alive with possibilities. That’s why I always keep a notepad by my bed to jot down any late-night thoughts. My poor husband has grown used to being woken up by my excited whispers as I share my latest midnight revelations.

But let’s face it, inspiration doesn’t always come at convenient times. That’s where technology comes in handy. My phone’s notes app is now my go-to place for storing all my random bursts of brilliance. Whether I’m on a crowded train or waiting in line at the store, I always have my phone ready to capture those fleeting sparks of creativity.

When my mind latches onto a concept that won’t let me go, it’s like falling down a rabbit hole and the rest of the world fades away. For those struggling to find inspiration, here are some tips that might help you tap into your creativity.

Embrace the Mundane

Find inspiration in everyday life: Even the most mundane experiences can hold hidden gems of inspiration. Pay attention to the world around you and you’ll be surprised by the stories just waiting to be told. 

For example, people-watching at a cafe can spark all kinds of ideas. Maybe that tired-looking woman nursing her coffee has a dark past, or maybe the friendly man at the next table is not as innocent as he seems.

So next time you feel stuck in the daily grind, take a closer look because within the ordinary lies the extraordinary.

Explore “What If” Scenarios

As a writer, I love asking myself “what if” questions. It’s like having a key that unlocks endless creativity and possibilities. Let your imagination run wild and explore how your “what if” scenario would affect not only your characters but their entire world. Every action has consequences, which can lead to unexpected plot twists.

What if an average suburban neighborhood hides a sinister secret behind its picket fences? What if someone wakes up one day to find they’ve been erased from everyone’s memories? What if a family vacation turns into a nightmare on a mysterious island shrouded in fog?

The beauty of “what if” scenarios for psychological thriller authors is that they invite readers to suspend their disbelief and enter a world where anything is possible. Reality and illusion blur together until you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s not.

Check out L.G. Davis’ The Woman at My Wedding here:

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Draw From Personal Experiences 

Your own life can be a rich source of inspiration. Draw from your experiences, fears, and desires to infuse your stories with authenticity and depth.

For me, drawing from personal experiences is not just about mining memories or events from my past; it’s about tapping into my deepest fears. The fear of betrayal, of abandonment, of being trapped in a situation beyond my control—these are the raw emotions that fuel the flames of my creativity.

By exploring my own fears, I can make my stories feel real and hit readers on a deeper level.

Keep an Idea Journal 

Whether it’s a physical notebook or a digital document, create a space to jot down ideas as they come to you. You never know when a small thought will turn into a great story. Make it a habit to carry your journal with you wherever you go, ready to capture the fleeting whispers of inspiration. Don’t trust your mind to store every idea for you; the best ones have a habit of slipping away within the blink of an eye.

But don’t just use your idea book for fully-formed ideas—also note down fragments, snippets, and half-formed thoughts. Don’t dismiss an idea because it’s not complete. Sometimes the best stories come from unexpected beginnings.

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Don’t Force It 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to force ideas to materialize. But like trying to catch a butterfly with clenched fists, the harder you grasp, the more elusive it becomes. Instead, just go with the flow of creativity and let ideas come naturally.

Trust in the process, and have faith that inspiration will find its way to you when the stars align. Sometimes, the best thing is to step back from your work and do things that make you happy—walking in nature, getting lost in a good book, or just letting your mind wander aimlessly.

Good luck with unlocking your creativity and remember, inspiration can strike at any moment, even in the most unexpected places. Keep your senses open and your mind receptive, and you’ll find that the world is full of stories just waiting to be told.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably bore your friends and family to tears with your endless stream of story ideas.

Happy writing!