Knowing What to Write About: Top Topic Sources for Fiction and Non-Fiction

So, are you a fiction or non-fiction writer who’s stumped on what to write about? Here are some unusual sources of inspiration to fuel your creativity.

To start with, this article isn’t going to outline a series of prompts for you. You have AI for that, along with its unoriginal suggestions and solutions.

This article is for serious critical thinkers, as it outlines not just the topics to write about, but the processes that go into finding a relevant topic.

So, are you a fiction or non-fiction writer who’s stumped on what to write about? Here are some unusual sources of inspiration to fuel your creativity.

Writing fiction

First up is fiction. The figment of the imagination. The ultimate allegory. Sometimes, it may feel like the creative juices are flowing, and you’re on the verge of something… But nothing comes.

Here are some unorthodox sources of inspiration to help you craft that elusive plot thread or dynamic character.

People

Go sit in the midst of people, and observe their actions and daily activities. You’d be surprised at how much the ideas will flow when you’re in the thick of life itself, watching it literally flow from place to place.

Humans are ultimately the biggest source of inspiration. Whether you’re writing African literature, fantasy, romance, or a thriller, spending time among real people is a way to help you come up with relevant topics and themes for your story.

Peace and quiet

For many, inspiration strikes in the dead of night, in the odd hours of the owl. I have a theory about creative writing– that it’s connected to the ethereal, that there are beings that whisper the words to us as we write.

Believe it or not, it’s hard to argue about the unnaturalness of spinning a story basically out of nothing. So, if you’re struggling for story topics or ideas, maybe you need to take a hike into the wilds and spend some time in quiet and solitude. Or, if you don’t have the luxury of that kind of mobility, become a night owl like me, and see the wonders that the nighttime brings.

Music

Musicians are some of the most accomplished artists ever. Their unique art form places them at the furthest flung of the ethereal realm I spoke of earlier, meaning that their creations are some of the most efficient catalysts of creative inspiration you’ll ever find.

The topics and genres you prefer to write about also correspond to the music genre, so keep in mind that. Don’t go looking for inspiration for a romance story in a Juicy J album!

Writing non-fiction

With non-fiction, it’s slightly easier to find topics to write on. However, this is exactly why it can be hard to write a work of non-fiction that’s one hundred percent unique.

Here are some sources to help you find what to write:

Disciplines

You can start by choosing a discipline and then taking it up from there. Are you interested in writing about science? Technology? History? Mental health?

Start by choosing the niche, and then narrow it down from there.

Yourself and others

Critically examining the dynamics of your life and that of others can be a way to find a useful non-fiction topic to write about.

Think about the events that occur in the lives of people around you, from their interactions with others to what you think of them. Dig deep enough and you’ll surely find a treasure trove of topic ideas to write about.

World events

We live in a crazy world, there’s no doubt about that. From civil wars to celebrity doings, medical discoveries, and power-hungry tyrants, a wide range of incredible events are happening all around us.

Learn enough about one, and you’ll find it a topic you can write exhaustively about.

Wrapping up

Finding what to write about doesn’t always have to involve you pulling up ChatGPT or DeepSeek to generate prompts.

Sometimes, you only need to exercise your mind a little. It’s not so difficult. And, the best, most original ideas stem from there!