Where do you get your ideas?

I got my first round of edits for Fairy Tale yesterday. As I was reading through my book, I had to think how the crap I came up with my idea in the first place.

My ideas come from everywhere. Pictures, music, a line or something in another book. I'm a huge people watcher, so sometimes an idea stems from seeing a particular person or situation.

I'll use my fairy tale book for an example. I read Janette Rallison's book MY FAIR GODMOTHER. I thought it was hilarious and fun. The main character cracked me up and the fairy godmother was so funny and clueless. When I finished, I had a thought. What if the girl didn't end up with the prince? What if she ended up with someone else?

And my fairy tale idea sparked. It turned into something totally different from what it started as, but I love how it turned out.

So if you're ever in need of ideas, take a look around. There are stories to tell everywhere. You never know what will spark that awesome idea, but when it does, write it down!


What sparked your idea? Anything interesting? Do tell! :)