I often hear people commenting that they "have nothing to write about" and so they can't do it. Everyone has something to write about because we all see things differently. Everything we see is story-worthy, for example, I once wrote a story about a sweater a classmate was wearing. We just have to find the stories that are drifting around out there, waiting to be written. Below is a list of different ways you may find inspiration. Pick and choose; find the ones that work best for you.

1. Pay attention to the media. Movies, news, even songs are filled with untold stories.
2. Write what you know about. If you know little brothers, work with that.
3. Examine your past. Chances are, you’ll find something interesting there.
4. Watch and Listen. Watch what people do, listen to what they say. People are filled with stories.
5. Be alert whereever a group of people gathers. Something is bound to happen, or be said.

If you get stuck, and the above list doesn’t help, try these exercises, or try this page.

• Pick an object in your room and write from its point of view.
• Write a story behind the lyrics of your favourite song.
• Write a story based on a childhood photograph of a parent.
• Pick a familiar place and write about something that might happen there.