How to Write Books Good, Part 1

Thinking up the idea:Think of an idea.Lie in bed and think about the idea some more.Dismiss idea.Walk around house. Do menial tasks. Allow the mind to wander. When the mind has wandered around to an idea, stop doing menial tasks and pay attention.Write it down.Read it over.Change it.Lie down on sofa. Let idea form a story.Dismiss idea. Hates idea. Idea is stupid.Decide to write from the headlines. Switch on news. Read newspapers. Look for inspiration. Ebola, eh?Brand new idea. A plague that wipes out most of humanity! The few survivors come together under some vague supernatural (religious?) pretence. But evil people have also come together! Drama! Conflict!Realise your idea is The Stand, by Stephen King.Read The Stand, by Stephen King.Go back to original idea, decide it's good enough. Congratulations! You now have your idea!