Curiosity is often the spark that drives creativity, discovery, and innovation. For us writers, it’s invaluable, helping us comb through our imaginations and uncover fresh, compelling ideas. And while we often find ourselves facing the dreaded “blank page,” the key to overcoming this may not be just discipline—it’s curiosity.
The Role of Curiosity
At its core, curiosity is about asking questions and seeking answers. When we hear our little kids ask “why”—incessantly—they’re exploring a vast world they’ve just joined. For writers, it’s the fuel for exploration that serves as the bridge between mundane observations and extraordinary storytelling. Curiosity may also be the antidote to boredom. When writers are bored, our minds wander. And while my mind wanders, I start having conversations with myself, or just daydreaming. Then, I start wondering how I could make whatever came to mind into a story. The minute I think “I wonder how,” I’m engaging curiosity, and that’s when the ideas begin to flow.
When we’re curious, we see the world through an unfiltered lens, and whether exploring a simple walk through the park or delving into a complex subject, curiosity opens doors to unexpected sources of inspiration.
The Art of Questioning
Curiosity begins with asking the right questions, which can go beyond “I wonder how.” We cultivate this habit by constantly probing our surroundings, characters, and themes. Instead of accepting things at face value, we should ask:
- What if this situation were reversed?
- How would this story change if told from a different POV?
- What secrets could this mundane object or event be hiding?
For example, take a look at an everyday item like a fancy pen. Instead of seeing it simply as a tool for writing, a curious mind might ask: Where has this pen been? Who has held it?, and, Could it have been used as a weapon? (crime writer, remember?) These questions can serve as the foundation for an entire narrative—transforming a simple object into a symbol of deeper meaning.
One tool writers might employ is a curiosity journal. We can jot down questions that pop into our minds throughout the day, no matter how trivial they may seem. While I don’t keep a journal, I often carry index cards and jot down ideas when they come to mind. A single idea like this could become the basis for a short story—or even a novel.
Embracing the Unknown
Remember the idea of “writing only what we know?” Writers often fall into the trap of writing only what they know—or we’re encouraged to do so. While our personal experiences are undeniably valuable, some of the best stories emerge when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.
In some ways, this is what I did last year when I created the first draft of Silver Rock, my first western novel. Westerns may not be as popular as the once were, but my curiosity about Buffalo Soldiers pushed me to take on the challenge of embracing this new genre. Writers can embrace the unknown by writing stories to prompts from unfamiliar genres. This engages our curiosity and helps stretch our author “muscles.”
Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Curiosity isn’t always about deep philosophical questions or heavy research. Sometimes, the most unique ideas come from seemingly trivial sources. Take a stroll through your local thrift store, observe a street performance, or eavesdrop on a conversation at a café. (Something tells me I’m not the only writer who does this in virtually every coffee shop!) These small, often overlooked details can lead to unique writing ideas.
Curiosity as a Way to Understand Characters
One powerful way curiosity can fuel writing is through empathy. We’re often tasked with creating characters, worlds, and situations we’ve not experienced personally. If not, how could male authors write about female characters, and vice versa? Curiosity help us understand perspectives that are unfamiliar, enriching our storytelling and creating more authentic narratives.
We can accomplish this by immersing themselves in the lives and stories of others—whether through books, interviews, documentaries, or travel. I often do this by people watching at restaurants or big box stores, wondering: where are they going next, or what their life was like. Half the time, I compose little vignettes in my mind while doing so, and some of these vignettes have found themselves in print. If you’re struggling to develop a character, take time to research and understand the experiences of people who are different from you. The more you learn, the more genuine and complex your characters will become.
Curiosity and the Editing Process
Curiosity isn’t just for the brainstorming phase—it can also enhance the editing process. When revisiting drafts, we can adopt a curious mindset by asking questions like:
- What does this scene really mean?
- Does this word choice best convey my intent?
- How can I make this character’s actions more engaging?
Not gonna lie: this is tough. Once I complete a draft, I often find it difficult to challenge entire scenes without having someone else’s eyes point it out to me. But by revisiting our work with fresh eyes and a curious mindset, we can uncover areas that need improvement and discover new ways to elevate our writing.
Conclusion
Curiosity can be the ultimate writing tool: it not only opens the door to a wealth of ideas but also deepens the richness of the stories we tell. Whether by questioning the world around us, exploring unfamiliar ideas, or embracing empathy, curiosity empowers writers to create works that are imaginative, thoughtful, and captivating. So, next time you feel stuck, ask yourself: What am I curious about?
