FREE WRITING IDEAS WORKSHEET I'm working on another novel now. Why should I be the only one producing a book, when so many of you dream about the same thing? If you're sick of sitting around dreaming of writing, then complete this worksheet. After you've finished, you'll delight in fantastic writing ideas you produced by yourself!

Creative Culture: Explore What You Know Worksheet     What are your hobbies? Consider everything possible, such as drinking green tea, collecting rocks, shooting off rockets, hunting, knitting, etc.         Idea: You can write a how-to nonfiction book about how to do something you do well. For example, many knitting books are popular and of course, everyone’s hoping to learn how to be more fuel efficient. Hobbies also blend well into novels, helping to create a theme.   What have you learned to do at work?       Idea: Many mainstream novels focus on careers. People enjoy learning about unusual occupations. Before the recent wave of authors, many viewed a lawyer’s work as well, boring. If you can make your career interesting to others, consider it as a basis for a novel. Mainstream and literary novels commonly relate to this subject area. Of course, as an expert, you can also write a non-fiction book.     What are you willing to research to write about for a book? This could be a famous person, a period in time, etc.         Idea: If you’re eager to research a topic, consider writing a non-fiction book or a historical novel. The advantage of this type of book is that many groups of people study historical periods, so that will be of use when you’re marketing your book; you’ll have a readymade audience.   What are your concerns about the future? (I use this question as a basis for novels, short stories, and poetry!) Are you worried about a gas shortage, government problems, a woman as president?           Idea: If you enjoy speculating about the future, consider writing speculative fiction: science fiction or fantasy, or a combination of both. Place the reader in the future, where your characters face your concerns and let the reader experience the problem for him or herself. Or, you can conduct research and write a nonfiction book to expose potential future problems before it’s too late!   What is your ideal situation? Many writers create worlds to bring joy to themselves and others. What type of story will create a satisfied, dedicated reading public? You want them to come back for more!         Idea: Many romance and fantasy authors write in this genre, but every genre has a few authors who demonstrate the beauty of humanity and leave you feeling great! The nonfiction equivalent of this is a self-help book. You can research this topic to help others or you can share your experience so others can cope more easily.   Please include the copyright notice if you print copies of this because it's cool to give credit where it's due. © Copyright, 2006, Chris Goebel       Now that you have some ideas, start on that book! Click here to visit our Novel Challenge. You can finish that book this year!   You can read more about Chris Goebel's novel-in-progress in the Eclectic Editor's Blog (click here).