Ideas often pop up when you’re in the middle of writing something completely different. You might be deep in your novel’s second act when, suddenly, you imagine a brand-new character or setting that has no place in your current story.
It’s tempting to shove these stray ideas into your current story and experiment around with them, but that puts the flow of the current story at risk and can ruin entire plot points. Throwing those ideas away is a waste, though. Instead, here’s what you should do with them.
The value of stray ideas
It’s easy to dismiss unrelated ideas that pop up as you’re writing and think of them like they’re random distractions, but those distractions can turn into something special of its own down the road. Sometimes, a concept that seems out of place at the start ends up sparking fresh angles in your main project. Even if it doesn’t directly fit, it might help you see your existing story in a new light.
For instance, a wild idea for a futuristic gadget might not belong in your cozy mystery, but it could be the foundation for a spin-off story in the same universe, or a brand-new sci-fi story. Creativity breeds creativity, so it’s important not to stifle those sparks just because they don’t match your current direction.
Building an idea database
One of the best ways to handle off-topic inspirations is by keeping a dedicated “idea database” for them. This can be anything you want it to be. It can be a messy notebook filled with fun ideas for you to work on later, or it can be a detailed sheet on your computer that keeps track of every single plot point you come up with, and what it could be useful for down the line.
Organizing these ideas can save time and frustration later. You might separate them by theme, like “fantasy world-building” or “character backstories,” or sort them chronologically so you can watch your creative growth over time. Some people color-code or add tags so they can easily find ideas related to certain genres or story elements so that everything’s a lot easier to find when they go back to play around with those ideas.
To use or not to use
Deciding whether to insert a new idea into your current work or save it for later can be tricky. Ask yourself how well this idea aligns with the story’s tone, themes, and plot arc. Is it a natural fit that adds to the existing narrative, or does it feel forced? Also, consider your personal creative goals. If your priority is to finish the draft as it is, you might want to store the idea away. If, however, you’re open to exploring new directions and can see a clear path for integrating it, go for it.
You can set up criteria to make this process more systematic. For instance, if an idea can’t answer the “What does this add to my story?” question, you might be better off saving it for a future project. On the other hand, if it immediately resolves a lingering problem in your plot, it might be exactly what your WIP needs. The key is to be intentional about how and why you include something new, rather than cramming in every cool concept that pops into your head when you sit down to write.
Experimenting with ideas
Even if an idea doesn’t fit your main project, you don’t have to leave it sitting on a shelf and collecting dust forever. Try turning it into a short story or even a quick writing prompt that you can mess around with. This approach lets you test out the idea’s potential without derailing your main project. If the experiment goes well, you’ll have some intriguing material to expand on later. If it fizzles, you’ll have learned something about what does or doesn’t work, and you’ll keep growing as a writer.
Sometimes, these mini-experiments even circle back to make your main WIP even better. You might find a really good subplot underneath everything, a fun little character quirk, or a brand-new perspective that ties neatly into your ongoing work. Plus, short-form writing can act as a creative palate cleanser, giving you a break from your novel’s complexities without losing momentum.
Wrapping up
Ideas that don’t fit your current work aren’t always wasted potential. Sometimes they’re just waiting for their moment, which might not necessarily come during whatever story you’re currently writing. Experimenting with the tips in this guide can help you find the right place for those ideas to make sure they don’t go to waste, and instead turn into a great story of their own, maybe.