Tuesday, August 5, 2014

How can you find ideas?


As you may be aware, on the first Wednesday of each month, we write about our worries and insecurities. If we don't have any, we try to offer advice or encouragement to other writers. Since I don't have new worries, I'll try to offer some suggestions to you.
As authors,we need ideas to keep our creative energies going. If we don't have them, what can we write about?
Here are my thoughts on the subject:

  • Your past experiences: I can imagine all of you cringing at this idea because you probably think no one would be interested in your boring, adventures. But you'd be mistaken about this. Many people write about their own life and are extremely successful. Of course, many famous people, such as presidents, write memoirs of their lives as the chief executive. Even though we know a great deal about those who are renown, we don't know everything, so authors can weave little known facts into their stories. For example, many people don't know that George Washington hated wearing wigs. He found them itchy and uncomfortable. You may also be unaware that Theodore Roosevelt was a sickly child, who suffered from asthma. But instead of moping about while he was under the weather, he read. He discovered that he loved Science. I  remember thinking no one would be interested in my own experiences before I wrote Tails of Sweetbrier. But I kept thinking I should try writing it anyway and it ended up winning the Feathered Quill Book Awards' silver medal! You never know what might happen.
  • Your pets: Most people love animals and they adore their pets' personalities. It's easy to write about your pets because they're part of the family. You can include humorous adventure of  your pets, too.
  • Your hobbies: Perhaps you love skiing or swimming. Have you had interesting experiences? Maybe you're a competitive swimmer and you can talk about winning a race when no one expected you would even qualify.
  • Your children: Children are such fun and they have wonderful imaginations. Surely you remember something amusing that they did  or said. You can always start by asking what if? See where your imagination takes you.
  • Write what you know: When I took my first writing course, one of the most important things the instructor shared was, "Write what you know." If you know a lot about sports, share that knowledge. Whatever subject you are most familiar with, start with that and see what develops.
I hope these suggestions give you some great ideas! Thanks for stopping by to check out this blog. Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, for starting this wonderful group.

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

8 comments:

  1. Fantastic advice, as usual, Deanie! Sometimes our writing inspirations are staring us in the face and we have no clue lol Great post :)

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  2. Thank you, Katherine! So nice to hear from you. Unfortunately, I know that clueless feeling way too often! D

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  3. These are really great suggestions. One's life experiences are always handy.

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  4. That's true, Murees and people's lives can me much more interesting than they think. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.I always love to hear from you. Hope you're doing well.

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  5. It's also a good idea to keep a notebook handy in your bag. You never know what great ideas may pop into your imagination when you are out and about...
    Great suggestions!
    Thanks for sharing.

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  6. That's an excellent suggestion, Michelle! I have one at home,but I don't always bring it along if I''m not here. Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. All great ideas, Deanie!

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    1. Thank you, Susanne! I always love reading your comments. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

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