One inspiration could be her perseverance. For example, my mom worked two jobs while raising us. She never complained and just kept going. This taught me to be strong in the face of difficulties.
My mom's story of always being kind to others, no matter how they treated her, is also inspiring. She would go out of her way to help neighbors. From her, I've learned that kindness is a powerful force that can make the world a better place. It has made me more empathetic and willing to reach out to those in need.
One inspiration could be the power of self - belief. In the 'standing tall real story', if the main character overcame challenges, it might be because they believed in themselves. This can encourage us to have faith in our own abilities. Also, it might inspire us to be brave in the face of difficulties. Just like the character in the story, we can face our fears and stand tall against them, whether they are related to career, relationships or personal growth.
Well, think about 'what if' scenarios. What if the main character in the original work made a different choice? That could be the basis for your roleplay fanfic. Another way is to combine different elements from different works you like. If you like a certain magic system from one series and the character relationships from another, blend them together in your fanfic. You can also draw inspiration from real - life experiences, like relationships or events, and adapt them to fit the world of your fanfic.
Think about real - life events or experiences that are related to the themes in your story. For instance, if your story is about love, think about real love stories you've heard or been a part of. You can also draw inspiration from nature. The cycle of seasons, the growth of plants, etc. could all be metaphorically related to your story and help you form an ending. If your story has a lot of action, think about how real - world conflicts are resolved. Maybe your characters can reach a truce like countries do after a long war.
You can re - watch your favorite anime. Notice the small details like the character designs, the power systems, or the relationships between characters. These can give you ideas for your oc and the story. For example, if you like an anime with a complex magic system, you can create an oc with a new type of magic within that system.
Read a lot. Reading different genres can expose you to various ideas and writing styles that might inspire you. Also, travel if you can. New places, cultures, and people can spark ideas.
You can get inspiration for your first fiction book from your daily life. The people you meet, the conversations you have, or the places you visit can all spark ideas. For example, a strange encounter at a coffee shop could be the start of a great story.
You could share a story about how your mom always made the best homemade cookies when you were a kid. It was a special treat that made you feel warm and loved.
Watch movies or TV shows with interesting settings. For example, a fantasy series like 'Game of Thrones' has diverse and detailed settings that might spark ideas. You can also look at paintings or photographs of different places.
It can inspire you to keep going even when things are tough. It gives you the belief that better times are ahead.
The inspiration from Shirley Jackson might lie in her mastery of building suspense and exploring the darker aspects of human nature. This could translate into compelling and thought-provoking stories within 'When Things Get Dark'.