Every now and then I read a news article that has potential for a fascinating story. Below are five articles I’ve recently read that made me ask all kinds of questions. I thought maybe some of you could use it for inspiration. These are just seeds for possible character and plot ideas: remember to think outside the box. Any story can be manipulated in dozens of ways for whatever genre you write!
Man Returns Money He Stole from Sears in the 1940s He even included interest! How old was this man when he stole the money? What if he needed the money for food? Would that make it okay? What if he stole the money to get revenge? What if he sent the money overseas to a loved one in WWII? What made him want to return the money now? What if the man who returned the money isn’t actually the person who stole it? Is he covering for someone, or perhaps fulfilling a death bed wish to make things right? Read the article title again: Could this be a time travel story? What if he went back to the 1940s the day he stole in the money? Write it!
After 92 Years, Millionaire Miser’s Heirs Finally Split $100M What happened among this family to make this wealthy man keep his contemporary heirs out of the will? Who are the heirs today and how will this unexpected wealth in a foundering economic future affect them? Write it!
Huguette Clark, Montana Copper Heiress, Signed Two Conflicting Wills Before Death Why was this woman a recluse? What could’ve happened to make her avoid her family? Was there a family feud that caused Clark to remove relatives from her will? What if the lawyers are crooked and greedy like the family claims? Write it!
Library Book Two Decades Overdue Who returned the book? Was it found by a new owner of the house? Or perhaps a relative returned it for a deceased relative? Why did he/she even bother? What happened the day the person went to the library? What happened to make the borrower not return the book on time? Write it!
Teen Girls’ Medical Mystery Baffles Doctors This story could be really interesting for those of you who write YA, thrillers, or horror. What if the girls are faking it? Why would they want to do that? What if it’s something supernatural making the girls have these symptoms (aliens, ghosts, demons…)? If it can be scientifically explained, why can't doctors figure it out? What if it becomes an epidemic in the near future? Or what if it’s just the beginning of bizarre things to come as the world comes to an end in December 2012? Write it!
Have you read an intriguing news article lately that made you ask what if? Do you see here some kind of potential for a new story in your future? Have fun! I hope some of you get an idea for a brilliant story from these articles!
Have a wonderful weekend, Zigzaggers!
13 comments:
*runs out to steal neighbor's newspaper from porch steps* :D
Can't wait to read your books, Meredith. Especially the last one. Get writing girl!!!!
Those are great. Did you enter the Highlights fiction contest this year? The theme was an interesting newspaper headline...
Those are great headlines. Obviously, the miser never read or watched A Christmas Carol!
Really like this exercise. Thanks for getting the creative juices going!
These are great headlines, brimming with some good story ideas.
Love the last one, I would so totally read something like that!
I will never look at headlines the same way - and that is a good thing.
These are all real? How fascinating!
How cool is that, taking headlines and running with.
Very creative.
Teresa
Stina- I get my newspaper headlines from online!! Then the neighbors won't call the cops on me, haha. :)
Faith- I recently heard about it! I don't know if I'm going to enter it though.
Laura- LoL, either that or he thought it was dumb!
Bluestocking- You are welcome! Have fun!
Karen- I would too! Now go write it so I can read it!! :)
Holly- I'm glad to hear that!! There are story ideas everywhere.
Matthew- Yup! Real stories just waiting to be turned into novels!
Teresa- There are some fascinating real-life stories out there, that's for sure!
This proves real life is stranger than fiction. On that last story, my first thought was a modern day Salem Witch Trails. (Hugs)Indigo
Indigo- You're absolutely right! I agree with you about the last one, too. Have a great weekend!
The headlines can be crazy. Hard to believe some are even real. We've had wolves attacking dogs in our area lately - not enough food in the area. If I wrote paranormal I'm sure I'd find some fun in those ones :)
Jemi- They sure can. It's hard to believe some of those stories are true! That sure does sound like it could a good one. I hope your neighbors are keeping their dogs safe!
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