Quiet Story Ideas to Hold Onto Over Christmas...

This is an end of year post to all my fabulous readers who are busy writing their own stories or anyone determined too make 2026 the year they START writing!

Christmas can be loud, busy, and emotionally full — which is why it’s not always the best time to force yourself to write.

But it is a beautiful time to notice ideas.

If you’ve always wanted to write a novel, this quieter season can be about gently holding a story idea in your mind — without pressure, deadlines, or expectations.

Below are a few story ideas you can carry with you over Christmas and into the New Year.

No writing required. Just curiosity.

1. A Story That Begins With a Memory

Think of a moment from your own life — or a story someone once told you — that has stayed with you.

Not because it was dramatic, but because it mattered.

Ask yourself:

• What if this moment happened differently?

• What if someone else had been watching?

• What if the truth was never spoken?

Notice which memory keeps resurfacing.

2. A Woman at a Turning Point

Imagine a woman who is quietly standing at the edge of change.

Nothing has happened yet — but she knows something must.

Ask yourself:

• What does she want that she’s never admitted?

• What is she afraid of losing?

• What choice is waiting just ahead of her?

Stories begin before the action starts.

3. A Place That Holds Secrets

Think of a place:

• a house

• a street

• a workplace

• a village

• a shop

Now imagine that something important once happened there — and not everyone knows the full story.

Ask yourself:

• Who remembers?

• Who has forgotten?

• What would happen if the truth surfaced now?

Setting alone can be enough to grow a story.

4. A “What If” You Can’t Shake

The simplest story seeds are often the strongest.

What if:

• someone returned after years away?

• a letter arrived too late?

• a secret was discovered at the worst possible time?

• love appeared when it wasn’t wanted?

If one of these sparks something, that’s enough for now.

5. A Quiet Desire

Many powerful stories begin with a small, private longing.

Ask yourself:

• What does this character want more than anything?

• Why do they believe they can’t have it?

• What would change if they tried anyway?

This desire could be what propels your story from beginning to end...

Let the Idea Rest

If none of these ideas demand to be written down immediately, that’s okay.

Stories often grow stronger when given time.

You can let an idea sit quietly over Christmas — and return to it when life feels calmer.

If even one of these ideas stays with you and you find yourself wondering “What now?”, I’ve created printable tools designed to help you turn a story idea into a clear, manageable novel foundation — without overwhelm.

They’re there for when you’re ready to take the next step! Here's the link to my shop if you want to browse...

https://thewriterprintableco.etsy.com

Merry Christmas!

Love, Rachel x