Research something you know absolutely nothing about. Pick up a magazine that you would never have considered buying, and flip through it for inspiration.
I always thought it would be cool to build a science fiction story off of a Popular Science article, for instance. I also know nothing about horses. I wonder what kind of inspiration I could glean from  Equestrian? Or a mag about outdoor survival? Visit your local library, and see where your imagination takes you!
Full Circle Homeschooling 