self-publishing-answers-podcast

SPA 25: How to Generate Book Ideas

Share
Google+0

A few resources:

Nick’s Methods:

  • Swipe files: Popular Science magazine, National Geographic, etc.
  • “Iterative Approach:” Iterate and change a simple, granular idea until you have a better idea
  • Rewrite a book you’ve read in the past (don’t worry, it will likely be completely different when you’re done with it!)

Kevin’s Methods:

  • Get inspiration from pre-made book covers, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc.
  • Get inspiration from artwork, “fantasy/sci-fi artwork” (or generalize for your genre)
  • “Characters might be born out of a conversation with someone in real life”
  • “Forensic Approach:” Ask yourself questions about a (theoretical) story
  • “Epic doesn’t start with epic”

“For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

“Blue Topaz: Machine Helicopter.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: iTunes | RSS

  • http://www.crystalmaxwellauthor.com Crystal Maxwell

    Ok, I’m ready to read the “Blue Topaz” now. That sounds like it would actually be a good story! I think you should actually finish that book. I email because I listen to your podcast while I am working.

    Thanks for the ideas on how to get a story going..that was great!

    Crystal Maxwell

    http://www.crystalmaxwellauthor.com

    • http://www.livehacked.com/ Nick Thacker

      Haha, that was a fun episode — one of my favorites! Thanks for listening, and maybe one day we’ll premier the first on-air reading of “Blue Topaz: Machine Helicopter.”