Plot, characters, twists, details, all these things start out as ideas, flashes of inspiration when the liberated writer’s mind realizes that they can take something from real life and turn it into part of their story without actually taking anything of value away from anyone.
Consider photography. If I see something, I am legally allowed to photograph it. I do not need permission, unless I am someplace I am not supposed to be. If I choose to attempt to use that photo for profit, I need permission, especially if there is a person in it. But if there is no way to identify the person, or the scene, all bets are off. Use it!
So, if you experience a situation that inspires you, and you can create from that a piece of your story without identifying anyone or anything, you get to do that.
Your experiences are yours to do with as you please
Characters in my stories are often people I know, not one person, people. They come to me, sometimes fully assembled, but they are made up of parts of my acquaintances. Some parts come from family, some from friends. Some are strangers whose impact on my life was short lived but often significant. Some are people I like, many are people I dislike. I keep an inventory of attributes handy.
Sometimes you’ll realize that a character wouldn’t behave in a way you need them to, and you need to find other characteristics for them to have in order for them to accomplish what you need them to do.Look around at the people you have contact with. Take what you need.
Alternately, characters may need to be pushed by some situation into doing something out of character, gather from life and keep handy an inventory of situations in your mind for such occasions. Steal stuff in advance and hoard it.
Settings and situations are also required to drive stories, look around and, as stated, gather them up. And trust me, no one will miss the things you’re taking.
But most importantly …
Do not wait for settings and situations to come to you. Seek them out. Throw yourself into life and find them.
The same goes for characters and their traits. Introduce yourself to people, ask them about themselves, observe not only their answers but the way they choose to answer, the things they say as part of the answer, the inflection, the quips and sayings they employ, the mannerisms and unusual words they use. Fill your swag bag.
And be grateful. They’re giving you gifts, things you can use to do what you love. They aren’t writing your stories for you but they are inspiring them. They are parts of the palette from which you will mix many of your colours when you make your word paintings. They are the paint for your canvas.
How do you throw yourself into life?
Go to free shows. Volunteer to help at social events. Sign up for committee work. Walk in your neighbourhood. Find a bench in the mall and sit for a while. Go for coffee. Hold doors for people. Go into a store and ask a staff member for their opinion on something you might purchase.
Find a group to gossip with. Go to a different church every week. Hang out at the library, the local pub, the sports complex.
Take up a hobby that has a social aspect. Sign up for classes.
Join a book club.
Go places!
And watch. Watch and listen. Ask. Chat. Engage.
And steal it all.
