5 Tips To Find Writing Inspiration At An Antique Store

Browsing an antique store like a treasure hunter on a quest to find a lost artifact is one of my favorite ways to develop writing inspiration.

And the best part? It’s free!

Unless of course, you decide to purchase your new muse. I certainly wouldn’t be one to judge.

With the right perspective, a vintage store is a vault of unlimited ideas just waiting to be brought to life.

Here are five places to find free writing inspiration in an antique store:

1. Paintings and Wall Art

Venture beyond the picture frame of a painting that catches your attention and write about that character or setting.

2. Board Games

Step into the universe of a quirky board game and allow following – or breaking – the rules to be your plot.

3. Vintage Clothing, Shoes, and Jewelry

Create a backstory for the older woman who once sported the cheetah print trench coat, furry boots, and cat eye sunglasses.

4. Figurines and statues

Tell the tale of an age-old figurine becoming animated and climbing, falling, or flying off the shelf to continue their life’s mission.

5. Unique Knick Knacks

Let the 70’s salon chair, faded doll house, or brass monocle you see tucked in the corner guide the conflict in your next scene.

I just got home from an antique store with a camera roll of ideas that I can’t wait to sprinkle into my stories.

Hopefully, the next time you’re experiencing writer’s block or find yourself searching for some extra inspiration, a visit to an antique store will be the cure you need.