So, as I thought and thought about a topic for this blog, I tossed aside several topics. Many have already been done, and done well, here already. (Dialogue and POV, I’m looking at you!) And then I started thinking, I need a spark--just like when I start a new story.
I’m an out-of-the-blue writer. I have yet to start a story with, I’d like to write about xyx. Instead, something kind of pops in my brain and it will spark off another random idea. Rub each other the right way--or the wrong way, as is often the case in the beginning of a romance novel--and there’s the little teeny flame that will become my story.
I’m actually quite good at dousing the flames of story. This is something I’ve had to learn to NOT do over the years. If I over think, attempt too much plotting, or take a seriously wrong turn, I’m out in writing land with no fire. Usually, I can backtrack and get it going again, but not if I’ve over plotted. (That’s a whole ‘nother post!) It’s a lot more work to get back on track, though, so I have learned over the years to keep an eye on the fire. What are the flames doing? Are they getting low? One sign of that, for me, is the daily word count drops off. If that happens, then I’m probably heading down the wrong path.
Every writer is different in what sets off those sparks. I love how it can be something totally unrelated that gives that aha! moment. For my Christmas Special Edition debut, it was the slightly frayed belt loops on a pair of guy’s pants. Those pants ended up on my doctor hero and it’s one of the first things my heroine notices about him. The connection? Who knows? I never tried to reason it out. But it was the (admittedly odd) spark that brought the story to life.
Other times, it’s more obvious. In my April Harlequin Romance, my heroine owns a flower shop. There is a lovely one in my town, and after driving past it for years, it hit me it’d be a great place for a romance heroine to work. Of course, the flower shop itself is not a novelty. But it was the thing that set off the spark for that particular story on that particular day.
So, I’ve learned to trust myself, even when it seems odd. Because when two ideas bump up against each other, you never know what kind of magic will spark from there.
How about you? How do your ideas become books?
Hi Ami-great post! I love the sound of your upcoming books and the inspiration behind them. I think I'm a lot like you when it comes to the inspiration behind a story-all it takes is that special something to trigger the imagination. Can't wait to read your upcoming books!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria! Glad to know I'm not the only one who works that way. :)
DeleteGreat post, Ami! I think I am with you (and Victoria) on this one. Sometimes something in my real world triggers an idea, and other times just a random thought leads to another. I think if I could pinpoint exactly where inspiration came from, this career path would be a lot less challenging! I also agree in over-thinking or forcing inspiration. If an idea is not coming easily, it is always better for me to walk away until another one does. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI SO agree on pinpointing inspiration! It would be much much easier. Heh. I find my ideas kind of percolate. Slowly. :)
DeleteAmi, really enjoyed your post. I have to agree that sometimes you see something and it triggers an idea for a story. And it can be anything from a small detail to something totally unrelated that starts a train of thought that ends with a story. :-)
ReplyDeleteBTW, your debut is heading my way. I got notice that Harlequin shipped it. Now where is that postman??? LOL.
Thanks, Jenn! And wow, really?? That's so cool! I hope you enjoy it! :)
DeleteGreat post, Ami! Hmm...I want to hear more about this "over plotting" thing. You and I may have the same problem there. :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could explain where my ideas come from. It seems like such a magical, random process. All I know is that once these ideas strike, some of them hold on for years and years. It gets a little annoying.
Hi Natalie! Ahh, over plotting. Yes, if I go too far in working out the book, my brain is like, awesome! We're done! And I can't write it. Very frustrating. But I've learned my process is to make it as hard as possible! :)
DeleteFabulous post, Ami! :) I'm interested in learning more about "over plotting," as well.
ReplyDeleteThat spark isn't as elusive as most people might think...especially when we're able to let our imaginations fuel that small detail, character, setting, etc. :)
Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks, Tina!
ReplyDeleteHmm. I think my next post should be on over plotting. :)
You're right, it's not as elusive as people may think. But as adults, we're not encouraged to use our imaginations like we are when we are kids. It can be hard to fall back into that mode. Unless, like some of us (raising own hand), you may never have fully grown up to begin with. :)
Hi Ami! I can think of a few key things that sparked story ideas for my series, but the nitty-gritty remains a mystery. I remember a lot of daydreaming and sporadic trains of thought being involved at times, that's for sure! And other times when only a pen and paper and some logical working out would do. This post really got me thinking, so thank you! And thanks for the lovely compliment about my POV post. Much appreciated! :-)
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