Brandon Carver asked Dawn Malone:

Hi, I'm an 11 year old boy who dreams of being a big author someday. Do you think you have any advice like how to come up with ideas or how to deal with a blank mind?

Dawn Malone Brandon: I certainly do have advice if you want to see your name on the cover of a book someday! The first thing you have to do is read, read, read, and read EVERYTHING! Devour the books and authors you love, but also explore different genres, subjects, and formats (like magazines, newspapers, travel brochures - anything you can get your hands on). Not only does this expand your worldview, but you get a sense of different writing styles. As you read, pay attention to what interests you. Did you read something that you'd like to know more about? Sometimes those explorations lead to story ideas. Was there a particular character who might inspire you to create a similar character? Could you drop that character into a strange setting, maybe using a photograph from a travel magazine? I use writing exercises like that a lot to get 'unstuck'.
Also, practice looking at your surroundings like a writer. Writers often carry notebooks to record their ideas and observations because inspiration can pop up at the strangest times. Listen to conversations. Try new activities. Keep an open mind and stay curious, and the ideas will come.
Finally, practice writing every day. Your writing brain is like a muscle that needs to be exercised often in order for it to perform well. If you don't write often, it's harder to get 'into the groove' when you do finally find time to sit down to write. Even if it's only for 10-15 minutes, find a quiet place, maybe turn on some music, and open your notebook. Soon you'll get into the habit and the ideas will come more easily.

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