As many writers experience, story ideas come with little or no advance notice. The same is true of unexpected writing time. As this backyard picture illustrates, I was geographically blessed by winter storm Euclid hitting my area on Christmas day.
With little advance warning, 12-15 inches of snow incapacitated the roads and put 190,000 people in the city out of power. Luckily, I didn't lose power even though many friends are still without electricity. [I've asked them to stay, but the roads are too icy to make it to my house which sits on a very steep hill.]
So, instead of worrying about missing after Christmas sales, I've settled in and accepted this gift of writing time with open arms. I'm getting caught up on marketing deadlines, working on my website, checking in on Facebook and Pinterest and may even Tweet if the inspiration hits.
Mostly, I'm recording sensory details for future projects. I love winter, but now I'll depend less on memory for winter details (crystal crackling of ice falling from the trees) and more on my notes.
A sudden winter storm strengthened my writing and spirit. Post holiday chaos has been replaced with white time to recharge and create. Happy winter!
-Q
I love books! For gift giving occasions, I love giving and receiving books. When giving, I try to match the person's interest with the gift. For science fiction writers, it might be How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card. For photographers, it might be Magnum Contact Sheets. In other words, I look for informational or how to books.
Other times, I gift fun books. I buy what someone will like vs. what he/she can use. For children's book writers, it might be The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce. For family members, it might be A Day Late and a Dollar Short by Spike Van Cleve, one of my father's favorites.
It is also a great chance to do pay it forward marketing for author friends. I love to share great books written by author friends with family and non-writing friends. Whatever your gift giving needs. Think books!
Happy Holidays!
-Q
I just love this time of year for sparking the imagination. Everything from twinkling lights to greenery and rich colors are a treat for the senses!
Since I like stories on fables, fantasy, and myths, it is a particularly good time as many holiday decorations include these characters. How about your stories? Getting the itch to write the further adventures of St. Nick, a "right jolly old elf?" Was he a big giver? Or was his a rags to riches story? Did he decide against becoming an inventor in favor of philanthropy? Lots of stories ideas. I have one to work on now...
-Q
Picture Book Idea Month is over. Time to turn those ideas into stories. I came up with 34 solid ideas. I would not have believed so many could be possible in a month. I'm so glad I took the challenge!
Now the work of choosing my favorites begins. They won't necessarily be the easiest to flesh out, but many sparked my curiosity and will pique the interest of an agent/editor.
Congratulations to everyone who found 30 new story ideas in 30 days! To those who fell short, you've still got new ideas. Wahoo!
-Q
