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From: Michael

I have a general question for the group. I am interested in hearing your strategies for generating story ideas. I would like to practice my short story writing skills, in order to build up to working on novels, but I sometimes have a hard time getting started. Do people start with a theme, with a character, with a plot idea, or what? Where does your inspiration come from?

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From: Beverly

Good question. Mine can come from anywhere, a piece of music, something I see driving down the road, or sometimes things just pop into my head and I have no idea where they came from. I find that music is one of my best muses---which I find interesting because I'm not musically inclined---I can play the radio.

When I'm writing for a deadline---which means I have to come up with something, the idea comes from place. The first thing I have to know is where my character will be excavating (she's an archaeologist). Once I know that, I do research on that setting. Then I put my character there and let her start talking. Soon characters appear--- and they define themselves. From the characters and setting the plot develops.

<<<snip>>>"Do people start with a theme, with a character, with a plot idea, or what?"

Yes. Any and all of those things can be a starter. And it can be a different type of inspiration with each piece.

I would like to address this concept in particular--- "practice my short story writing skills, in order to build up to working on novels"

Short stories and novels are two different species of animals. Being good at one, doesn't make one good at the other. Practicing one doesn't prepare you for the other. If you want to write novels, practice writing novels.

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From: Michael

Thanks for offering your ideas. I was expecting to hear that the sources of inspiration are as varied as the writers and so was not disappointed. I think for me it is going to be tapping in to my own experiences and senses in a more conscious way and looking for those ideas, people, or whatever, that start to percolate story ideas.

I feel, though, that I repectfully disagree somewhat with Beverly's comment that novels and short stories are too different, and to practice I should practice at novels. I do practice at novels, I have finished one and am working on a second. And I certainly agree that I need to practice the novel to become strong at writing one. But for me there is value in working through a short story, because it helps me to see a complete plot progression and character development in a way that will, I think, make it easier for me to follow the longer plot and character paths in the novel.

There are also certain elements in writing a short story, like writing a good piece of dialogue or a good scene, that will improve my skills for the same things in the novel, and by doing it in the short story I get the satisfaction of finishing a piece that helps me to stay motivated for the longer project.

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From: Genie

I write from emotion, past and present.

Past--something like a scent, an object, or a phrase overheard in conversation will trigger a memory. If that is strong enough to bring forth remembered emotion, I try and capture it in words.

Present--it is so satisfying, cathartic, and useful when I sit down and write my way through some strong reaction. Be it joy, embarrassment, or anger, I learn from attempts to put it in words.

Since becoming a writer, I discovered I am, and have always been, a sponge. I constantly soak up my surroundings without even realizing it. My stories and characters leap magically from this reservoir.

The one thing I now consciously do, is give myself to a memory that flashes out of nowhere. I let the tape play, because it usually springs up for a reason that may not have declared itself yet.

Genie.

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From: Jim

Michael, I feel Beverly's comments were "on-target." But, then, so are you. Here's why: any writing , for any purpose will help all your writing skills. It will help in assembling the story, making transitions, delivering the message.BUT-- the art of short story functions in a different time span, and accellerated telling. The long, nurturing unraveling of a noovel can't happen. Similar example: the movie Absolute Power (1997) wasn't a bad film.

But the book was wonderful. The time frame to tell the movie required they combine about 3 parts into Clint Eastwood, and eliminate at least 4 sub-plots. That's the kind of difference I think Beverly was pointing out. A novel, a short story, a theater play, a screen play--each is a valid form, but each requires a special game plan. All will assist your writing skills, but to be truely gifted at any one, you must target that style. Carl Hiaasen is a posible exceptionÉhe writes for a newspaper all day, and says any given day, he could pluck a story off the front page of his Miami Herald (I think) and make it a novel. Bob Greene is/was another, but it is a rare talent that can do that. It's like playing baseball and football, both professionally.

JimA

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From: kristin

In my vast experience of one unfinished novel, I have tended to get my ideas at odd times -- but NOT when I'm sitting down to write. I use Anne Lamott's *Bird by Bird* method of carrying around index cards, and when I have an idea, or even just an insight, I write it on a card and tuck it away. When I'm ready to write, I bring out all the cards and see which ones seem to "go together" (I'm not sure what that really means, to be honest). The rest go back in the box for later.

This time, I had the idea for two characters first. The two women are both conglomerates of people that I know. I wrote a bunch of scenes inspired by the cards that I had written, and now I'm trying to pull it all together into a storyline.

I can't wait to hear what everyone else does!

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