When we think about writing, we can learn a lot from watching our younger counterparts, or reflecting on our own childhood.
As writers, we need to be prepared for anything. We never know when the muse will strike. Sometimes a story may catch us by surprise, like the reporters running towards the twin towers on 9-11, rather than away from it like everyone else.
Just like the sweetness of the girl scout cookies we so adore, we have our best stories when we don't plan them. That initial idea just happens. Sure, we have to work and plan our details to the story later, but the initial idea is what we have to stay true to as well.
Where does the muse strike you? I have to say I get the best ideas either when I am out socially, or in the shower. These are things I can semi prepare for. Every where I go, I have small notebooks and pens for the auspicious occasion when I stumble upon an idea that I think would make a great story.
Where do you get your best ideas? What prompts do you have to help you get your ideas down?
Be sure to join the conversation. The Write Conversation.
Where does the muse strike you? I have to say I get the best ideas either when I am out socially, or in the shower. These are things I can semi prepare for. Every where I go, I have small notebooks and pens for the auspicious occasion when I stumble upon an idea that I think would make a great story.
Be sure to join the conversation. The Write Conversation.
Laurie Epps is a non-fiction author,
essayist, editor, and poet living in Anderson, South Carolina. A seeker of
beauty, her is dream is to travel the world one day and tell their many
stories. To read more of Laurie's stories visit her Thoughtful Thursday column
dedicated to the art of Poetry at:
http://1writerlaurieepps.blogspot.com
I've recently learned that thin mints stored in the freezer make an awesome cool mint treat. And even better, I can hide a roll under the frozen peas and have my own personal stash! That's the only way they will last around here. Now you will really have to find yourself a box and freeze them! :)
ReplyDeleteColleen, I've never tried that with Thin Mints. I gave all my Girl Scout cookies to our college sons. Now I'm gonna have to snag a box for myself! Thanks for the tip, Blessings, E
DeleteToo funny Colleen. I do that too. I freeze 'em too. Have you ever put about 6 cookies in a sandwich baggie and either hammered them out, or used a rolling pin? Not only does it let out some much needed frustration, you can sprinkle them on your ice cream later, or use them in a dirt cake. My teenager told me that idea was "epic awesomeness". Have fun with that. Blessings, Laurie
DeleteGood one, Laurie--always be prepared! I'm curious: where do you hide your "stash" of ideas until you're ready to eat 'em up?
ReplyDeleteoooooh Robin, good question! I keep notes on anything handy - from post-it pads to napkins. Then drop them on my desk. When I run out of ideas I dig through the pile, adding them to a list I keep on my computer. By the time I've transferred them I'm ready to go with the one(s) that have caught my imagination! Thanks so much for dropping by, Blessings E
DeleteHi Robin, I love your question. I have a few systems in place for storing ideas. Now I try to purchase small notebooks and journals, and I always have a few on hand. Though if I am out on the town with a small purse They are often saved in my phone, scrawled on a napkin or what ever is handy. The trick here is to use the backup tools I have in place. By backup tools, I have a few shoe boxes filled to the brim with ideas, and I have started doing this notebook thing like I do for school. I buy clear page protector things at my office supply store and slide them into the clear sleeves. This also preserves them in the best shape for later too. Speaking of which, I need to buy more clear sleeves... Thanks for the reminder, and for stopping by. Oh wait, maybe I should note to pick them up in my phone!
DeleteBlessings, Laurie
Fun post -- reminded me of my Girl Scout days! Best ideas? I get them when I'm hanging with other writers -- and when I'm playing the fun "What if?" game.
ReplyDeleteBeth, there's NO ONE I'd rather play the what-if game than you! I love being with writers, it seems to spark the creativity, but I also find that same spark with any group of creatives, from artists like my mom, to photographers to knitters and beyond. Thanks so much for stopping by, Blessings, E
DeleteHi Beth, The good news if you are with other writers, you aren't digging for supplies, you have brought them with you! Always be prepared for a good story. I am even thinking of buying a small hand held recording device, oh and a kindle or nook.... or maybe the iPad? Might be a good idea for our beloved Edie to write a column about picking our tools of choice. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteBlessings, Laurie
Oh yes! Great blog post idea! And I'm here at my computer so I won't lose it!
DeleteGotta try the frozen Mints. Love this post. I get my best ideas when I'm driving or right after I wake up. Think I'll go take a nap now.
ReplyDeletePat, I can almost guarantee that anywhere I am that's NOT convenient to catalogue an idea is where they come thick and fast. I've learned how to use the record function on my iPhone, so I'm getting better at capturing those illusive ideas as they flit into mind. Thanks so much for sharing, Blessings, E
DeleteHi Patricia, that is so true! I come up with my best ideas behind the wheel of the car. I will need to figure out a tool for that. Back in the old days I used to have a notebook that had a platform and was suctioned to my windshield. Wow, just the image takes me back to the yuppie days. For those of us without an iPhone, we have to be a little more creative. It is pushing the hand held recording device up a few notches on the must-have's list. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings, Laurie
DeleteBest ideas come late at night or early morning. I usually run to my computer if I can. I should have some notebook paper in my purse with me at all times.
ReplyDeleteBarb I used to keep my laptop on the beside table at night, but my husband objected to the evening distraction. Now I have my iPad handy and can usually jot down enough notes to keep the idea in mind until the next day. Thanks so much for stopping by, Blessings, E
DeleteHi Barb, Edie's husband Kirk sounds like a prince.... My ex wouldn't of wanted me to have anything at all. But joking aside, I keep yet another journal on my night table. I overheard a fellow writer in one of my writer groups say that she uses her phone for those moments. What a great idea! Even my ex couldn't object to that. For a while, I even kept a wipe board near the shower. The notebook companion was near where I do my makeup as backup. Transfer the info when I am dry and Voila! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteBlessings, Laurie
Patricia Bradley wrote: "I get my best ideas when I'm driving or right after I wake up."
ReplyDeleteI smiled to see that I'm not the only one who has some of my best ideas while driving! I recently started keeping a notebook in my car, so I can jot them down at a stoplight or other safe place. Otherwise, I'm a little too distracted for safe driving -- composing articles in my head and saying, "I've got to remember to write this down when I get home!"
(Oops! I deleted and re-posted to correct a spelling error!)
I get my best ideas when I'm cooking or riding in the car. These are both times when I'm alone and don't have someone "talking in my ear".
DeleteTarissa, before I got my iPhone I kept a digital recorder in my car at all times. Kirk really objected to me taking notes while driving - even if I was stopped at a red-light!
DeleteAudrey, cooking is another one of those activities that seems to breed ideas for me too. Thanks for the reminder!
I appreciate you both stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Blessings, E
Tarissa. I get great ideas in the car too, and usually I just do this mantra thing where I repeat it over and over again to myself. But it is unreliable especially if my preschooler is in the car. So I am liking the idea of recording my thoughts.
DeleteAudrey, You should see my cookbook.... it is a riot! I have retyped my family recipes in hopes to duplicate it for my nieces and daughters as they are approaching marrying age. So being on regular printing paper like that, it is so easy and tempting to write on it.... All my ideas and splatters on the page protectors, but it is my thought process immortalized. In fact, one of my professors has asked to see it. That may be fun over a cup of tea to keep our nerves calm! Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings, Laurie
I finally found Girl Scout cookies today. I was beginning to think there was a conspiracy ... they were nowhere to be found. Bought two boxes of Peanut Butter Patties and I'm a happy ex-Girl Scout.
ReplyDeleteBest ideas: the shower and on a walk. The two times I don't have pen and paper. :)
Love the post. Thanks, Laurie and Edie.
Oh by the way, I didn't ever find a local girl scout selling thin mint cookies.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should carry a tape recorder, or take notes with your cell phone. Just an idea.
I too, am a happy ex-girl scout. Good memories and ideals.
Blessings, Laurie