Stories of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and tornadoes have dominated the news this week. If you are looking for a story to write, whether fiction or nonfiction, you have no further to look than out your own front window.

Some such stories have been made into Hollywood movies because they are sensational and tap into the deepest of human emotions. Who hasn’t enjoyed watching Volcano!, Twisters, San Andreas, Ash fall, or Tidal Wave—just to name a few?

These topics are almost sure to be bestsellers, if well-written and provide a new “twist.”