Disasters and/or Dramatic Occurences.

[laurensk90]

I've only just started writing stories, and every time I start on something, I want to put an event in it that provides a challenge for the main character, among other things. But I just can't find the inspiration to come up with something good, something that's sufficient to build a story around. Something that has a strong effect and a mysterious origin. Natural disasters, attacks/woundings, other accidents of that nature, none of it works. Can anyone help me to come up with something?

For reference, there's a link in my signature to a series I'm writing. It has to explain what happened to the citizens, and I still fail to find a credible reason.

[Yuka]

What sometimes works for me is thinking about the past of the characters in question. What do they care about, what are they living for, and what has made them the way they are? Think about what they would react to most strongly. That's one possible starting point. It doesn't have to be something that shakes the whole world, just something that affects your characters in a particular way.

Try making a spider diagram, either with random words or with ideas you've toyed with in the past. Write down anything you think of and see where it takes you.

I'm no good at this... sorry. I hope you find your inspiration.

[laurensk90]

Spider diagrams, yeah, that might be worth a try. Thanks.