Become a Hoarder - It's Good for Your Creativity

Spend some time in strange shops. Vintage stores, antique dealers and exotic or ethnic markets. As Canadians, and as is often the case for Americans as well, we are exposed to a multitude of cultures and many items we encounter can spur stories. If an item grabs you but you still can't think of a story just try describing the item and for what is it intended. If you do not know what its purpose is, make one up. In the very least you have an exercise in description. In most cases a story will come and you've added an interesting piece to your portfolio. If you can, try finding a chest or box large enough to hold these items and when you get stuck again revisit them. These wonderful treasure troves can also be shown to other writers who may get their own ideas.