When you think about popular and successful fantasy fiction stories, it’s easy to imagine the creators waking up one day with a bright idea and then getting to writing.

That is until you try it for yourself. Then you realize finding the story you’ll want to write in the first place isn't nearly as simple.

I recently found myself in these very shoes. And as is the way around here, I want to share with you how I found the story I want to write, right now, so you can find yours too.

The struggle with finding this special story idea doesn't come from a lack of ideas.

For many writers and creators, we have tons of ideas, all jotted down somewhere, creating a long, intimidating list.

I personally have an actual file filled with dozens of ideas from years ago to date.

So a lack of ideas isn’t the problem. It’s finding that one that sets your soul on fire. The one you actually can’t wait to write. That’s different.

Here are the real, tested methods that worked for me.

One of these or a combination might work for you.

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Make a continuous list of the ideas that come to mind.

Hear me out. I know I just said we already have a long list of ideas. But the thing is, if you’ve looked through that list and nothing calls out to you, it’s time to make a new list.

This new list of fantasy fiction ideas might not be very long. You might have just 2 or 3 ideas on it. The concept is that this particular list is being created with a specific goal in mind - to find the one.

Since your head is in that space of finding the one, the ideas you'll get now are going to be strong contenders.

I started here first, then moved on to the next step below.

Try building out each one and see how it feels

Every morning before my day got busy, I would go into my list of strong contenders and try fleshing something out.

I would try worldbuilding, a power system, a character, anything, and just observe how I felt about it.

I was able to eliminate two ideas this way. It’s a sort of gut feeling where you’re trying to imagine the plot, world, and your vision, and something in you goes ‘nahhh’.

Eliminate those ‘nahh’ ideas immediately. Don’t waste any more time on them.

If you don’t think they’re entirely terrible ideas, and that maybe someday you’d be interested in writing them, just add them to your older endless list of story ideas.

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Think: What is the work I wish existed?

If you haven’t found your story from steps 1 and 2, it means your strong contenders were not as interesting to you as you thought. So we go again; this time, ask yourself - what is the work I wish existed?

The beautiful thing about fantasy fiction authors and creators is that we consume a lot of it.

And you definitely have an opinion about the kind of stories you wish more writers created. 

Is it a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors are actually United in rebuilding their world?

Is it a fantasy action where the MC doesn't have some tragic backstory?

Is it an all-girls adventuring team in a world overrun by monsters?

Whatever it is, now’s your chance to create it. Put that idea on your mind and try building it. Works like crazy to come up with a fantasy story idea you’ll love.

Watch or read something really good

I’m one of those people who would check IMDB or Goodreads reviews before giving hours of my time to a film, anime, or novel.

I cannot stand poorly made fantasy fiction. And I’ve discovered that watching or reading really good fantasy fiction can leave you with ideas and motivation.

You’re suddenly inspired, and your brain starts firing off fresh twists and turns for a story you can make your own. It works, so try immersing yourself in the coming days in really good stuff.

Ask ‘what if’ to the most random things

Remember you’re on a hunt for a fantasy fiction story idea you'll want to write pronto.

You’ve got to sniff it out, because it’s somewhere in your heart floating around. I’ve found it helps to ask ‘what if’ about the most random things.

What if there's a world where all the houses have blue gates instead of black?

What if this annoying gecko I keep seeing could talk?

What if my neighbor's cat really was the king of a faraway mystical world who got ousted and banished and is now searching for a way back?

😌Don’t go easy on your imagination. Ask the most random ‘what ifs’

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Here are my final takeaways for you:

To find the story you'll want to write, it’s  important that you’re purposely on the lookout.

Put yourself in the headspace of searching for that idea you would want to write, and you will find it.

Be sure to follow your excitement and eliminate what doesn't stir it.

Note that the pieces for building this story idea might not all come at once. This is fine and normal.

Believe me, J.K Rowling and  J.R.R Tolkien did not have their story idea all figured out from the jump. They had to build it piece by piece.

here’s an interview of Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan. He said the idea came to him from a video game. And then he built more pieces by asking the question ‘what if?’ He only had a one-liner story idea he wanted to make. Everything else came piece by piece later.

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So take a cue from the greats we love and steadily build on the idea that calls to you.

Onwards, friend, and happy creating.