One good concept is 'lost in a parallel world'. Imagine a character suddenly finding themselves in a world that's similar but with strange differences. It could be a modern - day person in a world where magic exists instead of technology. Another concept is 'the search for identity'. A character might be on a journey to discover who they really are, perhaps they were adopted and are trying to find their birth parents. And then there's 'the underdog's victory'. This is about a character who is underestimated but through hard work and determination, overcomes all odds.
Read a lot. By reading different types of books, you'll be exposed to various concepts that you can adapt or get inspired by. For example, if you read a lot of science fiction, you might get ideas for futuristic story concepts. Another way is to observe the world around you. Notice the little things, like how people interact in a coffee shop or the way a city changes over time. You can then use these observations to create unique concepts. Also, daydreaming can be helpful. Let your mind wander and think about 'what if' scenarios.
There are fanfictions that put Rodney McKay in a mentoring role. He could be teaching new recruits about the advanced technology in the Stargate universe. This not only showcases his intelligence but also his ability to work with others in a positive and educational context. Additionally, some stories might explore his relationship with Atlantis itself, like how he discovers new features of the city or tries to protect it from threats in a non - sexual and non - offensive way.
There are some stories where a strong female character leads in a consensual and positive way. For example, in some fantasy stories, a female knight might lead a group of adventurers. It shows her strength and leadership without any unethical elements.
One more concept could be a time - travel fanfiction. Christa and Ymir are sent back in time to a crucial moment in the history of the walls. They then have to use their knowledge of the future to try and change things for the better. Their relationship would play a key role in how they approach this new situation and the decisions they make.
One interesting concept could be the exploration of different character relationships. In 'a good life fanfiction', writers might delve into friendships that were only hinted at in the original work, making them more in - depth and meaningful.
Some concepts for short stories include symbolism. Symbols can add depth to a story. For instance, a red rose might symbolize love. Then there's pacing. If the story moves too slowly, the reader may lose interest; if it's too fast, it can feel rushed. A good short story strikes a balance. And finally, the concept of dialogue. Realistic and engaging dialogue can bring the characters to life and reveal their personalities, like in Hemingway's short stories where the dialogue is often terse but full of meaning.
The concept of 'forbidden love' is also popular. It could be two people from different social classes, rival families, or different cultures. The external obstacles they face due to the 'forbidden' nature of their relationship make the story full of tension and drama.
You can start from the environment where the story takes place. If it's a story set in a deep, dark swamp, then the monster could be a slime - covered, tentacled beast that blends in with the murky water and uses the fog as cover. Also, think about the monster's purpose. Is it there to guard a treasure? Then it might have a menacing look and be very territorial.
One common concept is the idea of changing the past. In many time travel stories, characters go back in time with the intention of altering a significant event. Another is the concept of parallel universes. Time travel might lead to different timelines or parallel realities. Also, the concept of time loops, where events keep repeating in a cyclical manner, is often seen in time travel stories.