Ideas Come out of Nowhere
A couple of days ago I was visiting with John, a friend of mine.
John writes poetry and is in the process of publishing his first book. As usual, our conversation ran the gambit — politics, religion, even suggesting solutions to many of the country’s problems. But, when the dust settled, John shared some of his work. Like all good writing, his poetry touches one’s emotions.
John’s a caring, sincere, honest and talented individual who has a knack for massaging life’s obvious occurrences into moving, thought provoking poetry. It’s amazing how one creative idea can put a new twist on things we normally take for granted. His thought process wove a common thread. I had to call him on it.
“You seem to look at things different than most, John. How does that happen?”
My inquisitive nature drew a smile.
“I can’t explain it,” he said. “Ideas and creativity seem to come out of nowhere.”
Boy could I identify! I don’t know the mentality of other writers — mine may be unusual or the norm — but in the middle of a business meeting, talking with my wife, or on the verge of sleep some unusual idea may command my attention. My wife has learned to deal with it.
“I realize you’re not good at multi-tasking,” she says. “When I see that exuberant look suddenly captivate your attention…I know to back off and give way.” (She’s so damn cute.)
It happens that way, though. Story lines, creative characters, unusual plots, or surprise conclusions can interrupt at any time. Without warning they arrive. But, in a flash they can disappear. I must immediately record them in some fashion or possibly lose them forever.
It may appear I’m giving too much credence to these often inconvenient disturbances. However, it’s becoming more and more evident that those who write often find themselves in a similar predicament.
I recently mentioned that my latest novel, “Ashes on the Lake”, had finally been finished. The idea for that story came to me in the middle of the night. But, what’s even more incredible — I had no ending for the book until 40,000 words in — when — it came out of nowhere.
That probably sounds like a strange writing style — starting a story having no idea where it’s going. But, with the help of those unexpected bolts of enlightenment a story can practically write itself.
Whether it be literature, poetry or music a creative idea can enter one’s mind at random revealing new revelations that present old, worn-out thoughts to be projected in a totally new and exiting fashion. And, those epiphanies may come from out of nowhere.
Thanks for visiting,
Steven
Steventraelauder.com
Steven’s books are published by Bogart Digital Publishing, Tri Cities, WA