How to use journeys as inspiration for writing short stories

THERE’S ALWAYS A STORY IN A JOURNEY!

Are you getting on a bus or a train today? Are you walking somewhere?

There’s always a story in a journey! It might be inspiration for characters or inspiration for a plot or inspiration for the setting!

Today, for example, I’ve already made three journeys and it’s not even 11 am!

My first journey was before the sun rose. I got on my bike and went down to the sea for a swim.

As I cycled down the high street, I saw a man washing windows.

It made me wonder what kind of things he spotted.

Supposing he saw somebody had fallen over who needed help?

That could be a story – or maybe a twist in a plot. What if that person had been unkind to him in the past or refused to pay the window cleaning bill? Would he still help him? I hope so…

My second journey was in the car to the local train station, which is about 40 minutes away.

There was a traffic jam en route. This made me wonder how a delay on a journey could affect a character’s life.

Perhaps my heroine might not get to her appointment on time because of the traffic jam.

But what if her interviewer is stuck in the same traffic jam?

There could be a story there!

My third journey of the day was on a train. The scenery outside was very beautiful with fields and hedges and also the sea. It helped me to write down notes and descriptions for the story. I am currently writing.

It also helped me to observe others on the train. For example, a train employee is pushing a trolley down the aisle, selling drinks. He might make a great character in the story because he must see so many things!

For example, what if a criminal was on the run and the drinks seller spotted him? Would he have time to call the police or might the criminal threaten him?

So wherever you are traveling today – even if it’s just for a short time – keep your eyes peeled.

Look at anything that might help you describe the setting, plot or character.

You can find more ideas like this in ‘Top 10 Best Creative Writing Tips’ in Unit 3 of my ‘Creative Writing Techniques for Short Stories’ Domestika course.

If you’re looking for more ways to unlock your creativity, join me in my Domestika course Creative Writing Techniques for Short Stories where you will find more ideas in ‘Top 10 Best Creative Writing Tips’ in Unit 3 of my course.

Have an inspirational day!