Our Insecure Writers’ Support Group question for May is totally open ended where I’m concerned:
When you are working on a story, what inspires you?
My answer: Anything and everything but hopefully not nothing!!
I’ve taken inspiration from Fortune Cookies, cloud shapes, TV commercials, and random conversations in the grocery store. Inspiration is that unexpected tug that turns the on imagination light bulb.
It can be anything: A line of dialog that flips character dynamics on his/her ear. That one tiny quirk that perfectly (though not irreparably) mars the hero. The snippet of a backstory clue that defines the villain’s motives. Any of those things can, and has, totally rewritten a story ending. But that’s the challenge and the fun of writing, isn’t it? Even with the best outline, you never know what’s going stir a sudden “Ah-HA!” that ups the stakes and changes all your hard work into a quick scramble of rewriting.
And in my writing life, I’ve had more than a few of those moments. When an editor suddenly asked if I’d consider writing a vampire romance (HECK yeah! Eight of them!) or when my agent asked how long it would take me to come up with an idea for a new line of contemporary romances one of my publishers was going to be opening. (Answer: Pitched it that evening to the head of the romance line at a mixer and was fine tuning four books for my editor when I got home.
When opportunity knocks, in any of its mysterious and unexpected forms, be ready. Yank that door open, invite the project in and have a looooong sit down discussion of where you can take each other in your publishing future.
And that pitch at a conference to my editor . . . this is one of the four books that was sold in the 1990’s years ago then found renewed shelf life with another house twenty-two years later! LOVE’S OWN REWARD is on S*A*L*E for only $0.99 through May 15th!
Off to find out about YOUR lightbulb moments!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. The awesome co-hosts for the May 3rd posting of the IWSG will be Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
That's great the book is getting a second shot.
ReplyDeletePropose a story and then write it - that would be way too much pressure for me.
$$$$. It was the only way to get money up front. And sometimes that money was darn good. Other times it bought fast food lunch.
DeleteBack then there were only the big publishing houses. Now you can do it yourself. Great but also eliminates the filter to get your best possible work out there.
ReplyDeleteVery true how you can find inspiration from anywhere. Music plays a big part for me. I can hear a song and a story idea can form from it.
ReplyDeleteI used to do soundtracks for each book with songs for each character. It was a fun way to learn more about them.
DeleteBeing open to opportunities is a great idea. You have to do the groundwork, too. Opportunities don't just fall into your lap without working hard ahead of time. So glad your early books are getting new life.
ReplyDeleteThe right place at the right time is well and good but you have to PUT yourself there!
DeleteGood for you, Nancy, to see inspiration all around you. And bravo to you for going out and looking for them. All best in your writing endeavors.
ReplyDeleteSometimes my greatest fear is forgetting that fantastic idea before I have a chance to write about it!
DeleteI love the changes in the cover - wow, what a difference!
ReplyDeleteIt says everything about the evolution of the genre.
DeleteI love the title of your post, Nancy! You are amazingly prolific! Being open to opportunities can literally change the course of your life, even if it's scary at the time. Have an awesome May!
ReplyDeleteYes, it can - if you're brave enough to take that step!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog Nancy. And thanks for sharing your lightbulb moments. Fascinating! Glad you enjoy writing Paranormal. Me too.
ReplyDeleteI've written a bit of everything but PNR is my go to!
DeleteI love how you can not only find inspiration everywhere but flesh out ideas so quickly. That's a skill I really need to learn.
ReplyDelete