How do I draw something original/from the imagination?

Preemptive note: Hi! Please read the whole thing before you say "all artists uses references". That's not what I'm asking. I know I will still need to use references. Thank you! <3

I only started seriously trying to learn to draw about 2 months ago. Most of my practice is using a photo (of an animal, person, etc) and drawing that. As closely as I can, replicating what's in the photo. I'm getting better at a lot of things, like hand eye coordination, line placement, shading, etc.

But! The reason I wanted to draw in the first place was to create things of my own. My own characters, scenes from a story, fantasy creatures. I don't want to just recreate photos one for one, or draw a still life exactly as I see it. I want to make something of my own. I want to draw something because its an idea I had, not just because its a photo I saw. Basically, I want it be be art, not just a drawing.

So how do I get from copying to creating? I have no idea where to even start.

Thank you for reading, and thanks in advance for any answers!