I am often asked, “Where do your story ideas originate?” My answer is, “My mind goes all the time!” There is no set method to my idea-gathering. I love words and stories, so I am always on the lookout for new ideas.
Sometimes, ideas just pop into my mind. My novels are written over six to eight months. Those stories sometimes “write themselves in my mind” before they are ever written down. Other times, ideas are generated as I write. Parts of my stories are often inspired by something someone says or does.
Children’s books are different. Those stories are short-lived and must be recorded quickly before the ideas flit out of my mind.
I recently watched a children’s movie with seven of my grandchildren. The writer put little nuances into the script. I loved that as well as how the words and pictures generated laughter. For example, the characters built rustic stilts to cross a dangerous area. Granny was on stilts too, but she pushed a walker rather than used a cane!
Movies use pictures to show ideas, while writers use words to create pictures. Our words must generate emotion and interest. When I am writing something funny, I reread it when I finish. If I laugh again, I know I captured the humor I want my readers to feel. If it seems forced or stilted, I know it’s not right.
There is no right or wrong way to write. Each writer must find his or her own style and perfect it. Don’t allow yourself to be forced into a niche or expect your writing method to be like someone else’s. If writing is something you want to try, start writing now. The old adage of, “Never do tomorrow what you can do today,” is very true of writing. Those great ideas you have now may be gone tomorrow.
Finally, write what you enjoy. Use words you love and love the words you use!