I've just finished The Accidental Highland Hero! Well, I still need to edit it a bit, but the story is written! Now for the hard part...beginning anew.

If I were to start the third story in the Highland series, it would not be as difficult. But I need to come up with a new werewolf story. I have two started, but I'm not sure about either. So, that's my next goal, is to come up with a new story entirely, but existing in the same world I've created.

So how to get a story idea? Sometimes reading other books helps. With Heart of the Wolf, I loved the idea of reunions between a hero and heroine who have drifted apart for one reason or another. For Don't Cry Wolf, I wanted to show a werewolf pack who actually ran a town. With Betrayal of the Wolf, I'd always loved amnesia stories, so the hero has amnesia when he actually meets the heroine the first time around, though he's seen her before this and intends to make her move from the land. And in Allure of the Wolf, neither of the main characters were wolves to begin with. So each time I want to explore something really new, yet within the confines of the world I've created. :) Each are single title, stand alone books, yet some of the major characters appear in the other books in cameo appearances.

When you read a scenario, and they've all been done, if you really enjoy that particular scenario, you can develop it into a story of your own. I've read two different Regency romances based on The Scarlet Pimpernel. How many Cinderella stories are there from contemporary to historical? Rewriting the classics can give us a wealth of possibilities. My mother was just reading a contemporary story based on Pride and Prejudice. Older women looking for husbands. :)

Sometimes I see something on tv or a headline in the newspaper. Sometimes a writing prompt can get you started.

One thing I always do though is--even though I'm a pantser and write by the seat of my pants--no plotting allowed, I do decide my main character's goals, what motivates them, and a fun and different way they meet. Beyond that, I haven't a clue. It all works its way out while I'm plodding along. I often don't know how the book ends, except the guy gets the girl. Have to in a romance. But how that comes about? Haven't a clue. :)  

So how do you get story ideas? What works for you?