- Or at least to come up with an idea for a new story. I haven’t (yet) learned how to actually type up stories in my sleep.
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Dreaming of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a painting by Franz Schrotzberg
- I’m often asked where my ideas come from. The answer is both simple and complicated. The simple is: I usually dream my stories, the novel-length ones, anyway. At least the main characters and a scene or two. That’s how it starts.
- Now for the complicated. Once I have an inkling of what the story is about, then I write, write, write. And inevitably get stuck. It happens to us all. But I have the lucky ability to semi-control my dreams, and I can think about the scene I’m having issues with as I fall asleep and run through various versions of it as I dream. Then, if I’m extra lucky, I remember it in the morning. And yes, I will wake myself up enough to jot the idea down (if I can – it’s hard to wake up!).
- But what about the short stories, you might be asking yourself? So far, those have mostly been inspired by images or this awesome book! The Amazing Story Generator spit out some wacky ideas for sure. (thanks again to my brother and sister-in-law!)
- Somehow my brain seems to know when I’m nearing the end of the first draft, because it suddenly goes crazy and I end up with another two or three ideas. I have a folder full of them, just sitting there waiting for their turn.
- Until next time, happy writing (and reading)! And if you aren’t already, come follow me on Facebook and Twitter…
