Usually my ideas for stories will come from anywhere, a dream I had, a thing someone said, a stray 'what if?' thought. Then I mentally form some sort of story from that little idea, sometimes writing out a full outline sometimes just a vague plot description. Characters are the most important to me. I have to have a solid idea of how that character is and then carefully find a name that suits them and means something. My biggest problem with stories is finishing them. Even after I've completely plotted out everything that is going to happen, I'll lose interest and abandon the story which is why I like to have only a vague outline of where the story is going with key plot pieces in mind so I don't get bored with the story or characters.