[ OT ] How do you come up with the stories you write about ?

For me, it starts with one idea, word, or sentence. Then I just think. What could this mean for a character who ( Hates people, is an old man, is a woman, is a redhead ). If a circumstance I think of pairs well with the original idea, I expand on it, and think `` What would keep someone interested? What could this character do that helps people to understand them?'' I think the problems arise for people when they focus so heavily on the plot that they forget that the characters are what make the plot. If that does n't work, I think of examples from other pieces that might inspire me; some snippet that makes me remember the incredible things a story can do or make someone feel. And if there's still nothing, I try to put myself in the story and think about how I would react, and apply it to the characters. 
 
 Ninja Edit: I hope I explained this well enough. This all happens so quickly in my head that I do n't always fully comprehend it. Also, this is better for smaller pieces of writing.
