What do you do when you want to come up with a fresh idea? Whether it's for a short story, a piece of artwork, an informative article, or even a business startup, it's not always easy. Instead of racking your brain and struggling for that perfect concept or thought, get a little help from the web.

These awesome idea generators can assist you when brainstorming for any purpose. Keep them handy, bookmark them, and visit them whenever you need to spark an idea.

Plot and Story Ideas

Whether you are a current author or seeking to become one, there can be times when you are stuck for ideas. You might feel like it's all been done before or just cannot seem to connect the dots of your own thoughts. These sites for creative writers can help stimulate ideas for stories, characters, locations, and more.

1. Plot Generator

When you land on the Plot Generator website, you will see a variety of options, from short stories and movie scripts to genre-specific blurbs. If you already have an idea for a story, but need help moving it along, click on one of the genres. You can pick from categories like fantasy, romance, crime, or horror.

The great thing about the genre-specific generators is that you can receive a number of ideas to assist you. Maybe you need a character name, interesting weapon, or enemy species. Just click the Suggest button next to the item for a random answer. Or click the button at the top to fill out the entire form automatically for a host of ideas.

If you prefer a list of ideas, click on Story Ideas at the top. Then specify the number you would like to receive and the type of ending you want for the story. Hit the Write me a list of story ideas button and you'll be on your way.

2. The Writer's Plot Idea Generator

For completely random plot ideas, The Writer's Plot Idea Generator is a handy site. Just click the button on the main page to generate a plot. The idea will display right below that and you can click again and again if needed.

As a bonus, the site offers more generators on the left side. You can get ideas for plot twists, character names, locations, and first lines. If you don't need an entire story idea and just pieces, this is a terrific resource.

Creative Concepts

When you are looking for general concepts to further your creativity, handy tools are just a click away. For names, locations, descriptions, and article ideas, these websites are ideal for artists, writers, authors, songwriters, and poets.

3. Fantasy Name Generators

Do not be fooled by the name; Fantasy Name Generators offers much more than names for the fantasy genre. For names of people, places, and objects along with ideas for pop culture, art concepts, and business slogans, this site is one to hold onto. When you move your mouse over the category choices at the top, you will immediately see tons of subcategories to choose from.

You can get ideas for everything from aliens and hobbits to story locations and business names. You can also check out the description generators. Fantasy Name Generators has battlefields, back stories, poetry, prayers, and everything else you could want. You will not leave this site without an idea.

4. Portent's Content Idea Generator

Portent's Content Idea Generator is a wonderful tool for article writers and bloggers in search of ideas. Enter a word or phrase into the subject box and hit your Enter key. You will then see a title that hopefully prompts an idea for you. If you do not like the option shown, click the refresh button for something new.

For example, if enter the word "iPhone," you may see a title such as, "How Twitter Can Teach You About iPhones." Or you might enter the word "Projects" and see the title "How Projects Can Keep You Out of Trouble." Remember that the ideas generated are random, so some may seem silly or not make sense. But an idea you see here might be just what you need.

5. Idea Generator

Maybe you like to keep your idea generation process simple. Sometimes seeing one or more random words or images is enough, and that is exactly what the Idea Generator website does. Use the buttons at the top to generate random words or images. You can also use the buttons to refresh the options or clear the page and start again.

Say you generate a list of words or images and only like a couple. Just double-click the ones you don't like to replace them. Idea Generator provides an easy way to spark your creativity with the click of a button.

Business and Service Ideas

Entrepreneurs and freelancers often know what type of business or service they would like to offer right away. But there are others who look for an opportunity outside of their comfort zone or as a second income. If you are mulling over new business ideas, these are the sites for you.

6. KopywritingKourse's Business Idea Generator

The Business Idea Generator from KopywritingKourse offers four different business idea types. You can check out general business, consulting, physical store, or economy-sharing concepts. Just click the button for the type you want and view random ideas. Here are a few examples:

• General Business: An SEO business for banks or a software business for restaurants.
• Consulting: A dollar amount to do research or teach how to use a drone in a certain time frame.
• Brick and Mortar Store: Start an RV store, gym, or used car lot.
• Economy-Sharing: Become a babysitter on UrbanSitter or personal shopper for Favor.

KopywritingKourse's idea generator provides great business suggestions and you may find one that's right up your alley.

7. Business News Daily's Business Ideas

For new business ideas alongside information on business plans, startup funding, and franchising, take a look at Business News Daily's idea generator. The site provides a variety of business type ideas with articles that walk you through that interest.

Maybe you would like to start an Etsy shop or sell on Amazon. Or maybe you would prefer to browse concepts by category like sports, fashion, or art. You can check out slideshows and in-depth articles that give you the basics to get started when the perfect idea hits.

Get Ideas on the Go

For those times when you can't sit down with websites for ideas, get them to go! These mobile apps are handy for idea generation from anywhere. On your lunch break, sitting in the park, laying on the beach, or riding public transport, get an idea with a tap.

• 8. Idea Generator for Android (Free)
• 9. Idea Spark: Stimulate Your Creativity for iOS ($1.99)
• 10. The Brainstormer for iOS ($1.99)

Fuel Your Creativity With Idea Generators

Each of the websites and apps is here to help stimulate ideas. Maybe you need a unique art concept, unusual character name, or winning business startup idea. When thoughts are not coming to you, don't despair or get aggravated---just head to the web.

And make sure you have the right tool for holding onto ideas when they come to you. This helpful article shows you how to capture ideas instantly with IFTTT.

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