If you have been following me for a while, you probably know where I get my ideas. But lately, I started to open my eyes and see other ways to "get the idea."
The majority of my ideas come from music. A lot of you know this and I thank god that some of you work this way because I really thought I might have to be committed at some point. Certain songs can hit me just the right way and I see my characters in action like a movie trailer. This is why most of my ideas and stories develop a soundtrack. See the one over there in my sidebar. That's for my baby, WiP#1. The song that started it all --"Panic Switch" by Silversun Pickups. Blame them for all my madness. Each song on my soundtrack has helped me create many chapters in this story. If you read a chapter, I could name a song that would go with it. See you know this already because I have posted about it before.
So what are the other ways to get ideas--
--Another way is to add a character to your favorite TV show or movie. I have done this so many times, it's ridiculous. I added a character to the TV show "Angel." It developed into two journals worth of stories but it has also helped me learn how to write characters. I'm not saying I'm totally awesome at writing characters, it just helped.
--Dreams. I alway thought this would never happen to me, but WiP#4 is from a dream. Yes, I said WiP #4. It's just in scribble notes now but it should be interesting later.
--Out of nowhere. Yes, I have had this too. WiP#3 just popped in. I now have a soundtrack developing for this one but the idea caught me off guard.
--Eavesdropping/people watching. I'm known to people watch. I admit it. People are interesting. I sometimes try and pick a person and make up where they are going or who they are. It's a fun little exercise.
For example--On the south end of my town there is a university. While sitting at a stop light one day, a student crossed infront of me. He was dressed like most college students--jeans hanging low, some sort of graphic T-shirt, baseball hat tilted to the side but what caught my eye was what he was carrying his books in. It wasn't a typical backpack or messenger bag. It was a beat up soft leather briefcase. Now of course I don't know the real reason, but here is what ran through my head. What if it was his grandfather's whom he loved dearly, but couldn't let go after he died. He goes to class where a young girl sits across from him and notices it. She wonders. Then some bully kid tries to steal because as it turns out the guy (who owns the briefcase) is super smart and he hates him. Girl falls for him... blah blah blah. See what happens.
Eavesdropping--First of all, don't invade peoples privacy but if they are blabbering for the whole world to hear then listen.
For example--I'm waiting for my daughter at swim class. While I try to keep my son from dashing into the water, I overhear a lady's conversation. She wasn't too private about it.
She is on her cell phone responding to an invitation for a wedding. Now, I don't know her relationship with the other person nor do I know what their response is but I found it strange and interesting. She told this person she would be at her wedding but she wasn't sure if she would be at the ceremony or if she would just leave the reception early. The reason is she had another family event to go to and it was important. She said, "I don't want you think I'm getting back at you because you were late to my wedding."
Interesting --right? A whole character can be developed from this.
Look around you--If I put my mind to it, I could write a story about the day in the life of my cat. I have to pinpoint her personality and write away. Actually, the hubs already dubbed her personality as Cartman from South Park and he even does the voice, which is hilarious.
The point is --I'm learning to open my eyes. My usual method of music still works but there are other ways to get ideas. This can also help if you are stuck on your MS. Sure there will be times when trying to come up with an idea is like trying to find a clear Lego in a high pile carpet, but just look around something just might spark.
How do you come up with your ideas?
How was your weekend?
