Sometimes truth is more fascinating, more adventurous than fiction. Sometimes a news article becomes a spark for a fictional story. One of the greatest films of all time, Titanic, took its cue from real life; many books and films are based on real life stories, mysteries, narrow escapes, historical events and experiences. The best kinds of story sparks are those things which capture our imagination; not only best for the reader, but also for the writer – for if you are not excited by and captivated by what you’re writing about, researching and investigating, how do you expect a reader to be excited or captivated by it? Personally, history has always fascinated me; I wonder, “What would it be like to walk among them?” or “What would it be like to discover these events as a modern archaeologist?” I explored such a theme in my novels, “The Cardinal“.
Here are a few historical sparks that might capture your imagination; just click on each image to link to the article:
Artifacts from the Battle of the Egadi Islands, ca. 240 BC
The City of Heracleion, Plunged into the Sea
China’s Atlantis: Shi Cheng
The Skulls of Sac Uayum
An Ancient Roman Shipwreck Reveals Medicinal Remedies
Stephanie Huesler 
The Ancient Roman Shipwreck article is of special interest to me as it concerns Elba
I hope it adds something to your research, and inspires you! 🙂