Play Day!

My sister is in town from New York, so guess what? 

PLAY DAY!

No real writing today, except for this small post, but a great day to take in the sights and smells that can be used in my writing tomorrow!

Here's to a spectacular day!

Kathryn

Are You Traveling to New Book Destinations?

I love the thought of being able to travel the world through the simple act of writing about it.

No, it's not always a simple process, but this sort of travel sure saves on gas or airline tickets!

I keep a handy notebook with me as the ideas come because you never know when that new idea for your next book will step on board. I have received great ideas for books at the bank, in the shower and driving my car. I've also had dreams and pay close attention to the comments of others.

In these various ways I always have ideas to work off of and never find myself struggling to find something to write.

Some writers keep a notebook by their bed or a small recorder in their purse to record ideas.

Photo by: wanderingyew2, courtesy of Flickr

I'd like to think that the keeping of ideas is as varied as the writers who use them. I'd like to think as I travel to a new book destination, that so are you. It's fun to meet writers on the trail and discuss writing. I always pick up ideas to take with me on my journey.

Have an idea you'd like to share? I would love to hear it.

Kathryn

Getting Ideas for Your Next Book

I don't know about you, but by the time one book is finished, or nearly finished, I am thinking of book two. And often, my ideas come when I least expect them.

This happened to me recently while at the bank. I was discussing with the bank teller about my new book, "Scrambled," (because I always share my new book with potential readers) and she seemed interested, so I gave her a short synopsis. Looking to the right I noticed an interesting office. The office was decked out with shoes. There was a shoe calendar on the wall behind a desk and a small, red shoe hanging on the hook. There were also pictures of shoes on the walls.

I said to the teller, "Boy, that person sure loves shoes."

"You should see them. She always has on a new pair."

Just then the woman walked by. Sure enough, she was wearing some sparkling red shoes.

That got me to thinking. What about a teenage detective, some amateur teen sleuth that is addicted to shoes. Depending on the mystery, she chooses a different pair for the occasion.

That visit to the bank was incredible. I got an idea for a new series of teen books (that you should be seeing at about the 4th book in the Susan Sleuth series) because I was observant at the bank.

Getting ideas, the best ones anyway, come when you least expect them, or when you're in an environment to receive them.

Another case in point.

I was working through some issues with my mother's divorce and remarriage a few years ago. As a young child, the divorce of my parents hit hard. And one day it occurred to me that if I wrote down my feelings I might be able to work through the trauma. What came later was a fictional novel called, "A River of Stones." In it, the main character, Samantha, must find out who she is  and her place in the world after her mother divorces and re-marries.

The best ideas often come from writing prompts or class assignments. "Scrambled," came from a college assignment.

Getting ideas for your next book doesn't need to create a headache, but a joy. Here's to your next joyful discovery!

Kathryn