Every once and a while, you get that idea that makes you stop and say, “WOW!” And you need to get it down, otherwise it’ll disappear, no matter how good the idea.
Good ideas can hit you at any time. Ideas may quickly develop into a detailed storyline or just a shell of an idea. Ideas can generate a flood of other ideas, growing into a full-fledged story and when they do it makes them more fun to think about. Exploring the idea and getting better ideas off of it is even better.
The other day, I was in the car listening to the news with my Grandpa. Thanks to him, I have the structure for my newest novel. The radio announcement was about deaging: the process in which scientists think they can reverse aging.
Luckily I had my notepad with me, on which I write down all of my ideas, and then transfer to a word document so I won’t forget them. I now have a great idea for a novel because of this, and it replaced another idea I had.
You know a good idea when it hits you, so watch out for one, because you’ll want to write it down immediately.
Be Prepared
- Always carry a notebook or recording device (many cell phone have recording capabilities)
- Type notes on your smart phone or other device
- Write on a napkin, the newspaper edge, store receipt — anything to get the idea down.
Be Organized
- Neatly type up and print out all ideas.
- File your ideas in a three-ring binder.
When you are ready to write your next blockbuster novel, you’ll have a treasure trove of brilliant ideas just waiting to be unleashed.
Guest Blogger: Spencer Brokaw published his first book The Impenetrable Spy in 2011 at age 12. He enjoys writing and plans on creating a series. He resides in Ohio and enjoys swimming, golfing, playing the drums, and reading.
Editor Comment
I don’t know about you, but I get distracted easily. I even forget a thought just walking from one room to the next.
Spencer is wise to carry a notebook with him to jot down ideas as inspiration strikes. But if you happen to come across an idea, and nothing to jot on, then turn to a tip from JK Rowling. She got her inspiration for Harry Potter while riding the train. Without anything to write on she repeated the story in her head the entire trip. (My attention span being what it is, I would have begged passengers for scraps of paper.)
That’s the fun part of having an imagination: inspiration can strike at any moment. Carry a notebook. Use a recording device – many cell phones have recording capabilities. Talk to yourself. The key is to be prepared. Unfortunately, for me, my best ideas come when in the shower. Guess I should invest in a waterproof recorder.
Happy writing,
Suzanne
