It's hard to explain.
1) An idea will most likely whittle its way into my mind, recently inspired from novel stories/movies/game plots. For example, I played Skyrim just recently and encountered a sudden question: What would happen if the Falmer regained their sight and thrived inside Dwemer ruins? Queries such as these spark at random times in my life, when I'm jogging, eating, or talking with friends. I can't control it--as much as I wish I could--and they are usually the result of aimless--sometimes senseless--thoughts. From that single idea, I try to develop prose, plots, and characters, seeing what would fit, what would make sense, and if any of it would result in entertainment.
2) As I said, I can't entirely control the arrival of ideas, but there are times when I can give them a little nudge in the right direction. For me, inspiration is everything, In the medium of books, I naturally scour through hard-cover novels on my bookshelf, searching through for interesting moments in the plot, and perhaps pull that concept out and morph it into my own personal idea. Music, of course, is a brilliant way to get my mind flowing; though, I would rather write in silence than strain my focus when there is a bludgeon of background noise around me. Candles, for some odd reason, help brainstorm as well (there is a study about scent assisting with memory, but I'm not sure that applies here).
3) If the plot and characters branching from this idea flow easily interestingly and in a compelling way, I know I'm on the right track. You needn't think about it a whole lot, covering every detail to know it's a good story. All it takes is to get excited about it; that's the passion of writing, after all.
4) Typically I carry a notebook around with me to jot down ideas (though I leave it in the car, where prying eyes can't find it and I am not tempted to rudely interrupt my fellow to write down an idea). Sometimes I type things in Google Docs, since I've discovered I'm a faster typer than I ever was a writer. Other times, when I have neither, I'll write it in my phone or iPod, which hopefully won't be drained of battery juice when I finish the final sentence.
It's hard to explain.
1) An idea will most likely whittle its way into my mind, recently inspired from novel stories/movies/game plots. For example, I played Skyrim just recently and encountered a sudden question: What would happen if the Falmer regained their sight and thrived inside Dwemer ruins? Queries such as these spark at random times in my life, when I'm jogging, eating, or talking with friends. I can't control it--as much as I wish I could--and they are usually the result of aimless--sometimes senseless--thoughts. From that single idea, I try to develop prose, plots, and characters, seeing what would fit, what would make sense, and if any of it would result in entertainment.
2) As I said, I can't entirely control the arrival of ideas, but there are times when I can give them a little nudge in the right direction. For me, inspiration is everything, In the medium of books, I naturally scour through hard-cover novels on my bookshelf, searching through for interesting moments in the plot, and perhaps pull that concept out and morph it into my own personal idea. Music, of course, is a brilliant way to get my mind flowing; though, I would rather write in silence than strain my focus when there is a bludgeon of background noise around me. Candles, for some odd reason, help brainstorm as well (there is a study about scent assisting with memory, but I'm not sure that applies here).
3) If the plot and characters branching from this idea flow easily interestingly and in a compelling way, I know I'm on the right track. You needn't think about it a whole lot, covering every detail to know it's a good story. All it takes is to get excited about it; that's the passion of writing, after all.
4) Typically I carry a notebook around with me to jot down ideas (though I leave it in the car, where prying eyes can't find it and I am not tempted to rudely interrupt my fellow to write down an idea). Sometimes I type things in Google Docs, since I've discovered I'm a faster typer than I ever was a writer. Other times, when I have neither, I'll write it in my phone or iPod, which hopefully won't be drained of battery juice when I finish the final sentence.
Told ya, Imma no help. You don't want know how this crazy mind works. 