How do first-time authors find inspiration for their stories and begin writing?

Inspiration can come from anywhere. The first book I wrote was inspired by the death of my best friend when I was in high school. My second book was inspired by the idea that many famous painters did not make much money; their works only became valuable after their deaths. I have started a new book based on a voicemail I don’t remember hearing at the time, but I found it years later after my father passed away.

You can find inspiration from news sources: I used to cut out newspaper articles (yes I’m that old).

You can find inspiration from songs: my daughter wrote a 25-page short story based on one line from a Panic at the Disco song.

I would suggest finding something you’re interested in, and then asking what about this would make a story I would want to read. Because if you want to read it, there might be someone else who wants to as well.