  Short Stories
This week: Idea Generation Edited by: Jay's debut novel is out now!  
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This Issue:
Idea Generation
Find ways to create using the materials all around you-- media, nature, reality...
What methods do you like to use to find your inspiration for short stories? |
| ASIN: B07B63CTKX |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 6.99
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I've been spending a lot of time thinking about the ways in which I come up with stories lately. (The hurry-up-and-wait lifestyle of waiting rooms leaves a lot of time for anxious contemplation, evidently.)
I've found that I have a few sources that I like,and I'm finally working my way back out of a major slump. I'm still not all the way out, but I'm getting there, finally.
I've been watching a lot of National Geographic and Discovery Channel, where I have discovered that there is a lot of documentary television dedicated to Alaska. Now, while I am no stranger to subsistence living and rural scarcity, it's interesting to put my imagination into places where living, and living well, really presents challenges that I wouldn't have thought about in my day to day life.
Thinking about the different solutions to everyday problems that are faced by others gave me some interesting ideas to work with in my own stories - - it helped me to formulate some challenging situations for my characters to face.
I'm trying to get out and walk around my neighborhood now that the weather is getting better, and I think it's really helping me in more than just the most obvious things. I'm finding that changing my surroundings helps me to better describe what I'm writing about. Yes, a totally obvious thing, in some ways, but worth mentioning if you are finding yourself in a slump.
Challenging myself to observe more makes me process these details differently, and that can be really inspirational.
Last but not least - - my current situation is also a source of some inspiration. Having a very unusual medical situation happen at home isn't easy, but it sure has shown me a whole new side of the hospital experience. (Not for myself, fortunately, but close enough!)
What's inspiring you right now?
Take care and Write on!
~j |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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| ASIN: B07RKLNKH7 |
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Feedback from {t-nl:}
A*Monaing*Faith writes:
This is great, I just recently started looking for in-person conferences and groups to belong to. I find it's easier to get work done when physically surrounded by like-minded individuals.
Me too, Faith! Part of what I love about WDC - - and my in-person groups.
👼intuey  writes:
Great NL, Jay! Great advice, also  . I like to jump around to different activities also. WDC is a great source of support, and mingling with others helps to jump-start my muse. Sometimes, I've been so surprised at some of the writings I've produced, which came from prompts in different contests and activities!
I love it when that happens!
Quick-Quill  writes:
I'd love a group where you can pitch an idea and find out if its any good. Most groups want to pitch their idea, want help with their projects but don't offer the same in return.
WDC is a happy medium.
Definitely, Tina! I think that's an interesting group concept; it can be hard to get that kind of feedback from folks.
Dee writes:
You are so right about balancing your writing and social time here on WDC. That statement resonated with me. As a trucker with limited personal time, it can be a difficult balancing act, but socializing does keep me motivated!
Yep, it's all about finding the right load of activities and writing on the old to-do list, I think! |
| ASIN: B01MQP5740 |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
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Short Stories: April 27, 2016 Issue [#7607]
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