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I love rainbow salads with its various bright colored vegetables thrown in for a pleasant, rich look. In the same way, inspirations and ideas come from a variety of people, places and themes, including dreams.
Dreams: Yes! Really! One morning, I woke up after having the most vivid sci-fi dream ever. The kicker—I was the protagonist and I possessed the most amazing powers and skills. The interesting thing is I’m not an avid sci-fi fan or writer, at least, not yet. I scrambled out of bed and grabbed a spiral book of index cards and a pencil and jotted down scene after scene of action and tale so I would have it whenever I do decide to write that sci-fi novel.
Newspapers/TV/Movies: Other avenues have been the news, television shows, something someone relays, even if it’s a joke. Anything can jolt that creative mind in an instant. I try to always have a notebook and pen or pencil with me at all times. Ideas for the children’s chapter book I’m currently working on was inspired by news reports on South Africa’s first all people’s election in 1994. In addition, I had seen the off-Broadway play, Sarafina, years earlier, and had the privilege of speaking with some of the cast members and was moved by their personal stories.
Take the movie, Pride & Prejudice, there have been spin-offs such as Bride & Prejudice, Pride & Prejudice: the latter day comedy, and Pride & Prejudice the Korean drama. You can take the premise of an existing movie, novel, history fact, etc., and take it to another whole new level or put your own twist on it; as long as it’s original and shows a totally different perspective. For example, what if you write your own Pride & Prejudice and Mr. Darcy falls in love with the very woman he prevents his best friend from marrying? What if they have to duel to the death for her? It’s your twist, your story.
Places: One of my jobs, years ago, was transporting clients to the hospital, doctor’s offices, emergency rooms and mental health centers. Boy did I get a lot of ideas then. Although I’m not an artist, I started outlining people, documenting their body language, their expressions, etc. If I liked how an old man presented himself, I would try my best to trace it and then write my thoughts as to his character, and try to guess his life story. It made for an interesting wait at least, especially in the emergency room.
Another time, I had gone for lunch with my coworkers to an Itialian restaurant and while we were there, a group of ladies (in their 70s or 80s) moseyed in. Their table was next to ours and it was obvious from the way they greeted each other that it was a reunion of sorts and some of them had not been in touch or seen each other for years. I enjoyed watching the way they interacted with one another; loving and courteous. Being the curious observer I am, I eavesdropped as they spoke; one of the ladies had recently returned home to the US after marrying and residing in Italy for years. From the many questions thrown at her, I caught bits and pieces of her struggles and hardships and the incredible love that kept her at her husband’s side, until his death. Each woman had a story to tell as they brought each other up to speed. I wished at that moment I could have excused myself from my table and politely asked if I could join theirs and pay for their meals.
The mall is also a great place to relax and observe people.
A person’s place of work or residence or vacation can lend immensely to a story as well. How about the history of the town you live in? Start digging and you’ll be surprised the number of untold stories and mysteries buried in a town’s past. Ask a town’s senior citizen and you’ll be sure to get an ear full.
Past Experiences: You cannot beat writing about what you know, your experiences such as your childhood, school days, and even perhaps, your current experience on the job. Maybe you work with an eccentric whose characteristics and mannerisms are perfect for your protagonist or antagonist. The thing I like most with writing from experience is that because the emotions are personal, you are in a good position to describe them.
One caution though, whatever you find yourself doing to get your stories, whether reading the newspaper, watching TV, observing people at the mall or chatting with an old neighbor, always have a pen and note pad or iPad/laptop ready. You never know when you’re an ear away or and idea away from the next best-selling novel.
As always,
Stay blessed,
~Arama Christiana
#aramaproducts
IG: @aramaproducts
