How does a story idea occur to you? What inspires you to write?
For me, a story concept may form after some event, either happy or sad, empowering or angering. My reactions to the situation may take a while to sort themselves out and to urge a writing approach. I have to let the thoughts lead me to some conclusion that resembles an essay.
My first book, Cherry Tree Dares: Essays on Childhood, was written over a number of years. I thought back on life lessons I had learned growing up in small towns. I compared my growing up experiences with what I saw happening in my younger relatives’ lives. Was my childhood in the 1950s and 1960s an easier time? Perhaps in some ways. In other areas, it was more complicated, with the start of the Vietnam War and the chaos that resulted. The memories became essays ranging from happy to sad.
One successful local writer said that he wrote two hours every day. He arose at 5:00 a.m., wrote until 7:00, then taught school all day. Also, he noted that the next day he might throw away everything he wrote the day before because he felt it was no good. But his point was that a writer should write every day.
I may not become that consistent, but writing even somewhat regularly is important. Consistent writing keeps the mind alert, the words flowing, and the composition skill improving. I will now endeavor to become prompt in providing this blog.
I have talked with some people who should be publishing important books because they are experts in their field. They usually say, “I don’t have time to write.” I tell them to get a tape recorder and talk—while waiting in traffic jams, for an appointment, or any time-delayed session. They can always hire someone to transcribe their taped thoughts.
However you write, just do it. So now you have no excuse to avoid composing your own essays, tomes, or scripts. Grab that pen, face that empty page, and write!
Feel free to post your writing methods on my Facebook author page, www.facebook.com/IleneWDevlinAuthor.
Happy writing!
Ilene W. Devlin, Author 