Mine your dreams for ideas and turn symbols into stories
Coming up with creative ideas involves both the conscious and unconscious mind. Agatha Christie famously said the best time to plot a murder mystery is while washing the dishes.
When we dream, our minds are translating experiences into symbolic representation. This makes dreams a wonderful source for story inspiration. Have you ever written a story based on a dream you had?
To mine your dreams for ideas;
1. Start keeping a dream journal: Leave a book and writing instrument on your bedside table or elsewhere in close reach so that you can start writing immediately before waking distractions make the details slip away.
2. Keep a consistent sleep schedule: Not only is this better for your mental and physical wellbeing, but according to the Sleep Foundation, scientists have linked quality sleep to the process of dreaming.
3. Jay Summer for the Sleep Foundation recommends reminding yourself of your desire and intention to dream and remember your dream before you fall asleep. This may help recall and the depth of detail you recall. (‘What Is a Dream Journal Used For?’, May 2023).
If you’re someone who seldom remembers your dreams, practicing meditation is another way to relax your mind enough for the flash of inspiration to strike.
What was the last dream you can recall? Has a dream ever helped you practically (or been eerily clairvoyant?). Share your thoughts in the comments!
See www.nownovel.com/blog/plot-ideas for more places to explore for story ideas. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to know first when we share new reels!
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