Even with over 40 published books in her portfolio of work, author Cara C. Putman still finds it challenging sometimes to come up with new story ideas. She tries to keep her story mind constantly working and generating new ideas by reading or listening to the news. She also browses social media feeds for ideas. Putman's story ideas typically start with a "what if", and then she thinks about what other "what ifs" she can combine with that, and how she can put a fresh twist on the idea. Once she has an idea that interests her, Putman considers if it's a story that will keep her excited and motivated for at least two years. This is the average amount of time it can take her to write and edit the book, get it published, and start marketing. If she doesn't think she can remain passionate about the idea for that long, she doesn't pursue it.