Each one of these places has helped me to find inspiration. So if you're looking for some fresh ideas to spark your creativity, here are five fun and inspiring sources to help you:
1. Local Libraries: Libraries are magical treasure chests full of stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re flipping through fairy tales, graphic novels, or history books, the smell of old pages and the quiet buzz can help you stumble upon characters and plots that light up your imagination. Plus, some libraries host cool events like author readings or kid storytimes—perfect for catching new ideas! (The library provided me with several scenes in Sammy Decides.)
2. Nature Walks: Nothing beats a walk in the woods or a stroll through a park to get your creative gears turning. Notice the colors, listen to the birds, or watch the shadows dance in the sunlight. Nature is like a big inspiring playground — maybe your story involves hidden creatures or a storm revealing a secret path. Plus, studies say nature boosts creativity by up to 50%. (My stories about birds [Ben's Big Flight, It's MY House!, Matt the Migratory Mallard, Enrico the Barnyard Alarm Clock] and trees [Pinito, Theobroma Cacao] and worms [The Adventures of William Worm, Tunnel Engineer, all 14 episodes, an activity book and his journal] came from my nature walks.)
3. Old Photographs: Flip through family albums or browse vintage shops to find intriguing old photos. Every picture has a story—a brave girl with a bike or a mysterious stranger in a foggy street. These images can spark plots, characters, or even whole worlds, blending the past with your imagination. (My non-fiction stories Epic Flight and The Iron Necklace were inspired from old photographs.)
4. Everyday Chatter: Sometimes, the best ideas come from just listening! Eavesdrop at a café, catch funny or touching conversations in the park, or overhear a busy train ride. Those bits of dialogue can turn into clever characters or meaningful scenes in your story. Plus, real-life stuff makes your writing feel more relatable and real. (I wrote Rebecca Writes a Letter from this one.)
5. Dreams: Your dreams are like secret movie scenes—flying over cities, talking animals, or magical adventures. Keep a dream journal by your bed and jot down those wild ideas. You might wake up inspired by a dream about a city in the clouds or a mysterious island. Dreaming opens up a whole universe of fun possibilities to explore in your writing! (And I dreamed up Squealer, A Pig's Tale.)
So if you're looking for inspiration, take it from me, you don't have to go far, you just have to look around you. It's there.
PVA
28 October 2025
