Imagination!

Back when Genius Kid was  a sprout, he was obsessed with SpongeBob Squarepants. I often cuddled and watched with him, or I watched from the kitchen while I was making dinner and GK was playing in the family room. I can go on a whole speech about why parents need to pay attention to their kids' entertainment, but that's not quite the point of this.

Imagination GIF from Imagination GIFs

My favorite episode is when SqongeBob and his best friend Patrick find a large box and start playing. In their minds, the box becomes several different things, including a spaceship. SpongeBob's neighbor Squidward mocks the guys for their childish behavior.

Until Squidward hears unusual sounds coming from the box like the engines of a rocket.

Therein lies the problem of most writers when they say they don't have any ideas. Those writers have forgotten how to play. They've forgotten how to make up stories in their head.

When I was a kid, we did all sorts of things. My Barbies became paratroopers (using old baby blankets as parachutes) sent in to save my brother's GI Joe and Steve Austin when their mission in Eastern Europe went wrong. Or a shoe box became their deep sea research vessel. Or our swing set became our own space ship with a baby activity board as the control panel.

If you're stuck, play with your kids a bit. Let them guide you in finding your imagination.

If you don't have kids, go to a park, a store, a café--anywhere you can sit and observe people. Watch them interact. Make up little stories in your head about what they are doing and why.

Let your rainbow come out and see what happens. You may surprise yourself.