When my husband, Jack, handed me the comics and pointed out
“Monty” from a couple of weeks ago, he said, “Here’s you and your writer’s
block.” Okay, but it really isn’t that bad! However, I did get a chuckle out of
the comic.
Of course, the humor is really in the irony. Monty is
looking around for inspiration for his future screenplay masterpiece, when
behind him a very interesting situation is taking place. He looks out the
window and sees a taco vendor stepping in a puddle of slosh. Isn’t it really a
matter of genre though?
Monty may be missing a chance to write a science fiction
thriller about an android changing his head! Is he a robot spy putting on a new
disguise? There are lots of questions to answer there. On the other hand, he
writes about the guy he sees through the window.
Monty Comic Strip, March 16, 2014 on GoComics.com
The beauty of stories or even memories can be found in the
simplest things. I wrote about finding writing prompts in a snowflake back in
December. I might have a blind spot to something seemingly amazing, but what if
I see something as simple as a disheveled young woman stepping into a puddle, wearing boots that look
too big? I may write something like this: Amanda
didn’t care as the water sloshed up over her feet. She wiggled her toes in the dry warmth of the cast off boots she found in the dumpster. Even better, there was
room for socks if they were giving them away at the homeless shelter. But if
she went back there, she might run into him again. She wasn’t ready for the way
his piercing blue eyes studied her from across the dark, crowded soup kitchen.
It’s not the most literary piece of writing, but you get the
point. I’ve introduced a protagonist and set her in a difficult situation and
planted questions. What seems small and unexciting can turn into an interesting
story. The limit is only in the writer’s imagination.
Take a few minutes to watch the simple or spectacular. Write
a paragraph of your thoughts. What are some ways you recommend finding new or
different ideas to write about?
This week I’m celebrating my 100th blog post!
Follow or leave a comment or both, each for a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift
card. Follow and/or leave your comment by Sunday, April 13th and
leave your email addy in the form of name[at]domain[dot]com to qualify for the
drawing.
Congratulations! I admire the dedication required to reach this milestone.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carlene! I appreciate the encouragement. :)
DeleteCongrats on #100!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! Amazing on how they add up so quickly. :)
DeleteKathy, I'm rejoicing with you in reaching blog #100. What an achievement. I hope your blog is as much of a blessing as mine has been for me.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile at the comic. As you know, I work at a national chain cafe and our particular cafe is a very busy one--I average waiting on 125 plus customers a day. I can definitely say that people watching is a significant factor of where my story idea comes from, but added to that, I must allow my mind to wonder and play with the questions of what and why. That's where the true story comes from.
estock(at)fairpoint(dot)net
You must see a lot of interesting people in your line of work.
DeleteI can only imagine. Wondering about their stories must be a
great springboard and you're right; the what and why are where
the conflicts and motivations come from, aren't they?
You're blog is such a blessing to others, Elaine. You're
a great inspiration to me. Thanks for your encouragement
and for leaving a comment today.
Heartfelt thanks, Kathy.
DeleteThanks for the inspiration, Kathy, I need to write a piece for my class tomorrow from a prompt. I'll look for the the simple and the spectacular. Great Post. Congratulations on 100 posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Victoria! Glad to be a help and I appreciate
Deletethe feedback very much. :)
Congrats on your 100th!
ReplyDeleteHere's a seed of an idea from looking at my coffee table this morning:
When she got it, they called it a Christmas cactus. To be more accurate, it bloomed around Thanksgiving. But now, in late March, it was blooming again. That had never happened before. Was this a sign that unexpected things would come about this spring? Would something else blossom in her life?
Not that this is brilliant, but just to confirm your idea that you never know where the next story ail come from. :-)
LOL I love it, Lynn. Hey, you must have the same kind
Deleteof Christmas cactus I do. It bloomed around the same
times this past year. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on your 100th post and best of luck on the next 100!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim!
DeleteHappy 100 to your blog!! Good job, Kathy!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peggy! I appreciate your stopping by.
DeleteKathy, such a joy to see all you've accomplished since we met. Keep going! And congratulations.
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks, Lisa! You are so sweet.
DeleteI agree completely about everyday occurrences and life leading to awareness and insight. That's why I call my blog--and stories--ordinary people, extraordinary lives. One hundred blogs is quite an achievement. Keep on keeping on!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie! Glad you stopped by today. :)
DeleteI love that you're celebrating your 100th post! Wish I'd have done that! Congratulations! I loved the comic. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Karla. When I realized it was 100,
ReplyDeleteI thought why not celebrate? I'm thankful and amazed I've
made it this far!