Sparking an Idea for a story

Looking For Sparks

Every story needs a bit of fire in it--something that will spark the readers’ interest. The question is how to get those sparks and fan them into flames. Where do they come from? Why are they so elusive?

I think that the old adage is absolutely true--when the student is ready, the instructor will appear--with some qualification. It may be that the opportunity, the instructor or the information was there all along and we just suddenly see it because we are finally receptive to it. Maybe the trick is to learn to be receptive more often and the sparks will show themselves to us more brightly and on a regular basis. The question is, how does one become more receptive?

It could be easier than you think, but it takes concentration and discipline. Here is an example of what you might do to find that spark. The next time you are out walking in the park, ask yourself what events could possibly happen here that would be unusual and surprising. A child falls from the swing—fortunately, he’s not harmed too badly. A man tries to abduct a child or steals a purse. A clown performs for the children at the playground. A dog runs away from its owner, and he is madly chasing it. Kids are flying kites that are colorful and unusual in design--describe them. Now feel the breeze on your skin and the sun's warmth on your face. Imagine these events like a movie in your mind. Visualize it completely and convince yourself of the finest details.

This is a mental exercise that will pay off in the long run and begin bearing fruit in the short term as well. Let’s try another example. When you go to the grocery store--another mundane event--imagine something unusual that could take place right there in the aisles or at the checkout. Maybe running into an old flame? A robbery perhaps? A medical emergency? A celebrity walks in and buys a bag of chips—but not before you compliment her on the new movie or song. Perhaps you are the one-millionth customer and win a shopping spree that will feed you and your family for the next month. Any number of things could take place that would transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. What would you imagine?

Seeing the endless possibilities is what sets inventors, actors, artists and writers apart from the common man. The sad thing is that we all have the ability to do it--we only have to exercise our imaginations a bit more each day. Writers’ block may just be nothing more than a temporary lack of imagination. Your challenge: jumpstart your imagination, find the catalyst that will ignite the spark of your next great storyline and get to work creating an adventure you will remember and others will love for years to come.

Happy writing.

©2005 Steven O'Dell