In the world of writing, there’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down to write, staring at the blinking cursor on Microsoft Word and realizing something: you have no idea where to start. You have no idea where you’re going to end. And you slap yourself on the forehead because you realize that even though you’ve created characters and concepts and a setting, you’ve forgotten something that any lengthy work of writing needs. Plot.

Ugh.

Remember those “Magic Growing Capsule” toys that used to amaze us as seven-year-olds? They’re simple foam capsules that look like little brightly-colored pills. When you put one into a glass of water for five or ten minutes, Voila! The foam capsule soaks up water and expands into the shape of a dinosaur, truck, flower, etc. Many times when I’ve had writers block, I’ve wished for an “Insta-plot Capsule.” Similar to the toys, all I would have to do is put the plot-growing capsule into a glass of water, and in a few minutes, my perfect plot would be there in the glass, ready to write! Insta-plot!

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. No matter how much I wish it were so, there’s no such thing as “Insta-plot.”

Or is there?

As I opened up my Bible this morning, I happened to turn to the book of Proverbs. One verse (Proverbs 21:13) stuck out to me as I read: “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” Immediately a story sprang to my mind: a greedy and ruthless antagonist depriving others of basic necessities, and in turn becoming poor and alone. It occurred to me: this verse was rich in potential story ideas! I read the next verse. Proverbs 21:14 read, “A gift given in secret soothes anger….” An idea for a scene came to mind: a character being swayed to help the protagonist because of a simple gift or act of service. Further down the page, Proverbs 21:29 gave me an idea for a character: “A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.” The book of Proverbs was exactly what I had been looking for: Insta-plot! Each verse has the potential to become a character, scene, or part of your story’s plot. Go and look for yourself! Open up the book of Proverbs to a random page and read a few of the verses. Are you getting any story ideas?

I believe this is an effective and efficient way to generate plot ideas. And what better way to glorify God though our writing than to implement morals and messages that He gave us in the book of Proverbs? When we use Bible verses as inspiration for plot, it helps us follow exactly what Psalm 119:11 says: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

I hope this idea for “Insta-plot” will help you when writer’s block comes your way. I also encourage you to write down verses that give you inspiration, as well as trying to mix-and-match several to make your plot more interesting.

What do you think of this method for “Insta-plot?” Does anyone else have any other “Insta-plot” methods they use when they have writer’s block?

I think that is a really interesting idea...and any extra (good) reason to open up the Bible is a good thing (even though it's already of utmost importance anyway, I never read enough of it in a day). I might try this... =)

I once had a project where I wanted to write a short story for all the proverbs... obviously I never went anywhere with it.

But I agree, this is a cool idea.

That'd be a neat HW project someday...unless you want to still do it on your own.

Fascinating. I'd never thought of Proverbs like that, but I opened up to Proverbs 29, and you're right. Instant character ideas.

Verse 1: One who becomes stiff-necked after many reprimands will be shattered instantly-beyond recovery.

I actually really like this idea and definitively want to try it out. Though, not for the ease of having an instant plot (granted, that would be greatly convenient at times), but because I love the way Scripture would be integrated more into writing in this way.

Thanks for sharing, Alex!

That is interesting.... In a way, Proverbs are a bunch of conclusions. Great food for thinking up a way to come to that conclusion in a novel form.

Thanks guys

I'm curious to see if others have used stories or parables the Bible other than Proverbs for plot inspiration. I once was thinking of writing a story based on David's life, but (as usual ) never got around to writing it. Are there any other stories/verses/parables in the Bible that give you plot ideas? Also, do you think it could be dangerous to adapt Biblical stories or principles in our own writing?

The time when David was an outcast and other men like him were joining him really inspired me. I want to write a story similar to that in my fantasy...

I began a story similar to Moses and the Plagues of Egypt. Except it was set on Pluto. And much more advanced.

I like your idea a lot. It reminds me of the advice I first found on this website about putting one spiritual truth in your work. What better place to find truth than the Proverbs (and more broadly the Bible, of course)? I will keep this in mind.

Wow this is great, I will definitely try this. I am currently having a difficult time with my stories' plots. The direction they are going in I don't like, so something like this--so simple and at the same time being inspired by God's word--is awesome..

*will go home and read Proverbs now* Love this idea. I've always enjoyed taking snippets of conversation, phrases, and such, and asking 'What can I do with this to make it into a story'.

However, I must add that if you have well-developed characters (and theme, concept, and setting; but mostly characters) you have more than enough plot for and drive your story.

After all, the plot is just what happens when you take a character or host of characters--and not just someone with a face and a name, but someone with a past and and likes and dislikes and hopes and fears and all that truly make a character--and set before them Conflict. The plot is the character working their way through the problem in the way only they know how. The most plotting we should have do to is throw them a curve ball every now and then, an obstacle, to make the 'problem-solving' harder for them.
(And now I'll go crawl back into the dark corner I came out of and be quiet... )

Aye, I perfectly agree with you. That's a good oratory.

Often, though, a story can have an added 'coolness' if it incorporates or is based off of some 'idea'...some question or concept or enigma that is explored through the struggles of the characters.

Completely agree, and I wasn't meaning to downplay or ignore that. The little ideas we have are the concept of plot and are not to be confused with the conflict itself. Those little ideas that generate the 'cool' factor are what makes each story unique and special. After all, when you dig down to the bare bones, there are only like, a dozen 'true stories' in the world and throughout history. It's what we do with those original story lines that makes the story something we love.