NaNoPrepMo - Idea

pick a story idea - now, plot is not a story. Plot is what happens, story is why it happens, and what it does with the people in it.

7 Ways to Decide Which Story Idea You Should Write Next

5 shortcuts to getting an idea for a novel

29 plot templates

The 36 Dramatic Situations

The 7 Basic Plots

Write down why you want to write this story. Why does it matter? Why does it interest you? Does it cause an emotional reaction in you? If not, why would anyone be interested in it?

If you really don't have any ideas, take some from your favorite books. It doesn't matter if you do a retelling of an old fairytale, or a new YA novel. Ideas cannot be copyrighted. If you tell the same story with your own words, it will be your story. 

Here's Preptober Tips & 100 Preptober Prompts for NaNoWriMo Prep
I sincerely urge you to go and read it and answer the prompts, even if you just want to write and don't plan on doing NaNoWriMo.

I was especially struck by "What excites you most about a book that you haven't read yet but you have on your To Read List?"

I have several types of books on my TBR list.
1) recommended by a friend
2) is included in a list
3) is part of a reading challenge
4) I liked the author's other books
5) is said to be like a book I liked
6) the cover looks amazing

then the rest.
- magical realism or fantasy, or based on a fairytale, legend, myth or folktale or something like that
- a indomitable main character who has to solve the problem through sheer will, is determined to make their own destiny and fortune
- promise of a happy ending

"a wild maze of colorful gardens that reaches beyond the imagination. Local legend says that a visitor can gain answers to life’s most difficult problems simply by walking through its lush corridors." 

"Shameless - Rebellious women who changed the world"

"Curiosities of Literature: A Feast for Book Lovers "

"Claudia Miravista loves art but only sees what is on the surface, until the Dutch boy Pim appears in her painting. Pim has been trapped in the world behind the canvas for centuries by a power-hungry witch, and now believes that Claudia is his only hope for escape. Fueled by the help of an ancient artist and some microwaveable magic, Claudia enters the wondrous and terrifying world, intent on destroying the witch's most cherished possession and setting Pim free."

"enjoy an out of this world love story filled with pirates, ugly secretaries, angry housekeepers, Church Librarians, intergalactic cruise ships, flexible yeoman, love, adventure and other oddities."