You want to believe it, don’t you?
Or maybe you don’t. Perhaps you think that good ideas can only come through hard work. Nope. That is how the article, book, or story comes to life. Ideas come from everyw
here. You probably have a notepad by your bed, and carry one when you go somewhere. Why not include having one while watching television?
News
At one time, you had to watch the news at 6:00 pm or miss the news. Not anymore. Now, there is the 5:00 pm broadcast followed by the 6:00 pm news and then World News at 7:00 (you get the point). News media outlets have to report on about 10 times the amount of stories than in the past. This is great news for you (pun intended). One thing they rarely do is cover it in detail, but it can give you a starting point. Don’t listen for the top stories only; listen to health reports, product recalls, local news, scientific breakthroughs, odd items, and human interest pieces. Two unrelated stories may get you thinking. What if that fleeing fugitive developed a product that was recalled because of health problems? He’d sunk everything he had into the original model. Now he’s committing petty theft to try to raise enough money to develop a new prototype.
Situation Comedies
These programs show us people interacting at their best and worst. Think about the show afterwards. Consider how you could twist the circumstances to create a different story. You can also let them remind you of experiences you’ve had. Look at the places, characters, and styles of dress. There are times I’ve watched a show and thought, “It would never have happened like that.” Write it the way you think it would.
Extreme Challenge Shows
The Biggest Loser, The Bachelor, and The Apprentice are just a few of the hundreds of challenge shows to come along in recent years. While I don’t usually watch this type of format for long, these shows are fast paced, emotional, and are often set in odd locations that might get some creative juices flowing.
Quiz and Puzzle Shows
If you turn on Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, you may also turn on inspiration. Some studies even suggest that puzzles, games, and other stimulating activitiescan help older people keep sharp minds. Think about it. A story develops in much the same way you solve a puzzle. First you have a few pieces, and then you develop it a little more. You begin to see the bigger picture, and before long you’re finished.
How-to Shows
Doing something with your hands is a proven way to get your mind moving creatively. However, watching an instructional program about felting wool, fixing a leaky faucet, or restoring furniture can also work. Watching this type of programming allows you to take in new information, understand how stuff works, or see how you can re-purpose something you were going to trash (like your writing).
This is yet another way that you can find ideas almost anywhere and keep writing in all kinds of weather. So don’t feel guilty if you need to take a writing break, but don’t forget the notepad by your side. I might be watching the news soon and hear about how you came up with newest extreme comedy game show.
If you enjoyed this, let me know about it. If you really enjoyed it, let someone else know; pass it on. You can also sign up for a heads-up when I post something new. Keep writing!
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Great post! very true On semi related note, one afternoon I just randomly wrote down a number of the titls of DVD box sets I have in my collection, then wrot a poem on each in turn…not many bore any resemblance at all the the shows the title came from, but it was a great way of freeing the mind and writing about topics I don’t usually write about!! So yay for television!! 🙂
Great Idea. Thank you for your input. 🙂
Great ideas for inspiration. I often find things to write about as I drive and my mind wanders. Thank God for voice notes on the iPhone! It has saved many an idea for me
It is hard to type and drive. he he. Thanks for your comments and encouragement.
My pleasure
Never know when inspiration will hit! Great post.
Exactly. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
And sometimes, no matter what you’re watching, you’ll hear a phrase or a word that sparks an idea that in turn, snowballs into a pretty awesome piece. You don’t always need the premise or analyze anything – just listen for that next great phrase.
Awesome post, Peter!
Erica, Thnaks for your comments and encouragement. You’re right, we need to train our brains to be idea factories and be looking for them everywhere.
I agree, writing ideas are everwhere. But I think it takes a practiced awareness to keep watch for them. Having that notebook handy and within sight would be a good reminder. Thanks for the great post.
Yes Cate, it does take practice and discipline, but it is worth it. I appreciate you adding your thoughts.
Hahahahaa … There is ACTUALLY some good in watching TV!! Great post ~
I’m glad I made you smile. I appreciate your comment and feedback.
Great post! I had this experience just a few days ago – not from tv – but from two news reports online. Ideas can come from just about anywhere as long as we keep our eyes, ears, and minds open.
Always finding new ideas or new ways of looking at things is what is important. Thanks for sharing your experience.