* Personal experiences: Myers often drew inspiration from his own life. Growing up in Harlem, his experiences with poverty, racism, and injustice heavily influenced his writing, especially in books like "Hoops" and "Monster."
* Historical events: He was fascinated by history, particularly African American history. He researched and wrote about significant events like the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement, crafting powerful narratives like "The Glory Field" and "Fallen Angels."
* Social issues: Myers was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. He explored themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the struggles of marginalized communities in many of his works, like "The Beast" and "Something in the Water."
* Observations of the world around him: He was a keen observer of human nature and the complexities of life. He drew inspiration from everyday interactions, news stories, and cultural trends to create relatable and thought-provoking characters and storylines.
* The power of imagination: Myers believed in the importance of imagination and its ability to transport readers to different worlds. He used his imagination to create fantastical stories, like "The Young Land," and to explore alternative realities.
While these are some of the sources for his story ideas, it's important to remember that Myers was a gifted storyteller with a unique perspective. He blended personal experience, historical knowledge, social consciousness, and imagination to create powerful and engaging stories that resonated with readers of all backgrounds.