Write a novel based on your life
a writing prompt to awaken your creativity
Hi friend,
Have you been aching for a book idea but don’t know where to begin? I totally get it. Sometimes, the options are so endless we have no idea where to start. I recommend starting with your own life and the lives of those around you. As Flannery O’Connor brilliantly wrote, “Anyone who has survived childhood has enough to write for their entire life.” Our memories and the memories of others are goldmines for book ideas. I recommend creating a few lists to generate ideas:
+ A list of key memories and moments from your childhood
+ A list of stories you’ve heard from your mother about her life and family
+ A list of your father’s key stories and upbringing
+ And a list of what you’ve heard about generations before you
»»» Write down everything, big and small.
From there, mix and mash them and flip the stories on their heads. Turn that story of Grandpa on the Farm into a thriller or how your brother broke out of rehab as a story of a woman’s recovery journey. Your very own life can serve as gold for fictional book ideas.
Try it out and write short paragraph summaries of each and see where they take you. :) From there, which one lights you up? Try writing a short first chapter of each. You never know where your own story re-told might take you!
Feel free to share how it goes!
Love, Megan
Thank you so much for reading. I hope this space is inspiring your voice. This is a free and paid platform. You choose how you would like to support below. I am on maternity leave from November 1- April 1, so if you can financially support me by becoming a subscriber, it would mean the world. I have scheduled weekly content like prompts, tips, inspiring essays, and more throughout this season. I appreciate whatever you can give.
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Thank you so much! Your subscription supports my work as a writer and creative. It says, Megan, I believe in you. This work is essential. Keep going! I hope you enjoy it and that it inspires your writing and healing journey. Love, Megan