Struggling with Creative Story Ideas? Start with the Emotions You Feel Every Day

The Motivation for Creation

“People write novels because they have something to say.”

This is a perfectly valid motivation for creation. However, if you observe those who say, “I want to write a novel,” you might find that relatively few actually begin with a clear message they want to convey.

Instead, many start with the thought, “I’d like to try writing a novel,” and eagerly learn how to structure stories—only to encounter the ultimate obstacle of “I can’t think of a good idea.”

This isn’t to say, “If you don’t have something to say, don’t write.” The act of creation itself often brings creators a profound sense of fulfillment. This, in itself, is a perfectly natural reason to start shaping a piece of work.

Why Themes Become Increasingly Important

When creators first begin, completing any work at all is enough to bring satisfaction. However, as they progress, their standards rise rapidly. Each completed work leaves them craving something even better.

Over time, self-satisfaction evolves:

• Entertaining others.
• Surprising others.
• Receiving praise.

These provide far greater fulfillment than private self-indulgence. And while improving technical skills is essential, for audiences, polished craftsmanship primarily reduces frustrations—it doesn’t automatically make something more engaging. The heart of any compelling work lies in its theme.

Using Frustrations as a Source of Inspiration

People express a surprising amount of dissatisfaction on social media. While venting is thought to alleviate stress, it may actually increase it, creating a negative loop for both the complainer and their audience.

However, channeling frustrations into creative works can transform them into powerful motifs.

Take, for example, the debut novel The Beast Must Die by Haruhiko Oyabu. Written during his university years, it channels his dissatisfaction with the world into a gripping and entertaining story. Instead of mere complaints, the result was a thrilling and impactful piece of fiction.

If you’re struggling for story ideas, tapping into your own frustrations or problems may be an effective approach. Moreover, turning dissatisfaction into storytelling often requires exploring multiple perspectives, deepening understanding of opposing viewpoints.

In this way, creative activity not only brings fulfillment but also reduces everyday frustrations—a win-win outcome.

Why Beginners Should Consider Film Over Novels

While novels are often seen as the pinnacle of creative expression, they’re also one of the most challenging mediums to perfect. Mastery of language, grammar, and descriptive prose is necessary to achieve the “smooth readability” readers expect.

Conversely, visual mediums like film offer a more intuitive and accessible route for storytelling. With film, creators can convey meaning directly through imagery, bypassing the complexities of translating visions into words.

This was evident when I participated in a local film competition. A short film created by two high school girls was technically rough but still communicated its message effectively—something that might not have been possible had they attempted a novel instead.

For those eager to tell stories, starting with visual media may offer a more beginner-friendly path.