Yup, that's me. Sorry, couldn't resist the 'boast post' - the 'Munster Express, Jan 6th, 2012.
It’s January 14th, I’ve already completed a house move (and all the cleaning, paperwork and furniture selling/dumping that entails), I’ve spent a week in Budapest and prepped for a week of OFSTED inspections. I hope 2012 will slow it’s pace soon so I can get some headspace and start thinking again. I’ll need conjure la muse… and get some inspiration for new works.
Leonardo di Vinci used to stare at the walls in his studio until the damp patches formed scenes and figures he wanted to paint. If you look closely at some of his works, you can even see how those dark stains suggested the rock formations he conjured. Of course, you don’t so much ‘get’ ideas as you eek them out from within.
Hopefully, you don’t have damp patches around your writer’s garret. You may have yesterday’s newspaper, however. I worked as a journalist for many years and love newspapers and appreciate them as a source of ideas and stories for the creative writer. For starters, you could just take an existing story and change the setting/gender etc… to make it your own. Ideas will come to you as you work on it.
Alternatively, you could apply the ‘what if’ question. The ‘what if’ question prompts you to consider alternative endings. A good example of this question is Stephen Fry’s Making History, in which he explores a world where Hitler was killed in WWI but an even more dastardly figure comes to prominence, and wins.
The small ads section can spur the imagination. Hemmingway once said his best work was one he wrote in six words: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn”. It’s clever as there is clearly a heavy back story here but Hemmingway, being Papa, does not spell it out. My point is that you could operate in reverse, search the small ads and then write its back story. Think of the tale behind a novel that ends with that small ad.
Then there are photos. Ignore the captions/related stories. Look at the photos and guess what is going on. Develop an identity for someone in the background of a picture. Give them a problem. Imagine how they are being affected by the main event in the photo. The key is to go for the more obscure shots. Obviously, if it’s a picture of 9/11, the chances are you’re not going to come up with anything too original but if it’s a picture of a man biting a dog, you may be on to something.
Go hunting, Newshound!
January 14th, 2012 at 22:20
Congrats on the newpaper story.
January 14th, 2012 at 22:21
Thanks Shirley!
January 14th, 2012 at 22:30
Who needs to buy a book of writing prompts, when they have a newpaper nearby? These are fantasic ideas! Thanks so much!
BTW, congrats on making the paper yourself!
January 14th, 2012 at 22:33
Since I started blogging I have become so much more observant in my day-to-day life – looking out for strange juxtapositions, interesting combinations and funny sights and words. Thanks for the good tips!
January 14th, 2012 at 22:36
Lovely – I really like your direct style and strong useful ideas.
January 14th, 2012 at 22:36
Newspapers are so much more than tomorrows fish and chip paper. I love reading the paper, from the main articles to the small columns and tiny fill-space stories that probably nobody pays much attention to. I often read stories that give me great ideas and always regret later when I realise I haven’t made a note of them and the paper lies at the bottom of the recycling bin!
January 14th, 2012 at 23:07
Congrats on your newspaper article Sue!
Not only have you given wonderful tips for creative writers, but you also are doing a valuable service by promoting “real” newspapers.
It’s so sad to see so many newspapers closing up shop as people turn toward the internet or television for their sole source of current events.
I know many people, like me, who prefer the feeling of holding a newspaper in their hands, and reading each page at their leisure.
Two of my children are photojournalists/photographers. They would applaud your post as I do! Thanks!
January 14th, 2012 at 23:57
A HUGE CONGRATS!!!!!
January 14th, 2012 at 23:57
VERY cool! Congratulations! (And no need to apologize for the boast post at all!)
January 15th, 2012 at 15:18
I think this is probably a great place and time to say “Congrats!” And great layout on the newspaper! LUCKY!
January 15th, 2012 at 17:46
I’m enjoying taking pauses during my writing/research days to read some of your blog posts. They are often like energy drinks or a good cup of strong coffee for the laborer in the field of story (or a refreshing glass of water). May you keep a stillpoint and balance within all the new changes in your life. I am reminded of a Shakespeare quote (can’t find it) about stories being everywhere, i.e. streams, stones, and rocks. Newspapers throb with a desire for someone to tell the story behind the story.
January 15th, 2012 at 22:55
As I am beginning my move now, I empathize with the stress of your move. I hope it’s all behind you now, and that your muse comes prancing in with a suitcase full of new thoughts in her new home. And that newspaper layout is beautiful! Congratulations on a great start to the new year.
January 16th, 2012 at 14:26
It is January 16th, I have not done any of the things you have and I am nervous….just saying
January 16th, 2012 at 15:25
Congrats! What a wonderful image and factoid about da Vinci. 🙂
January 17th, 2012 at 00:56
Congratulations!!
January 17th, 2012 at 09:49
your ideas inspires every one.I promise to stick to them as I write.
January 18th, 2012 at 04:36
I really liked this post on using newspapers for prompts.
Congratulations on making it into the papers! In a good way. 😉
January 18th, 2012 at 15:53
Woohoo, congrats!
January 20th, 2012 at 06:03
Congratulations Sue, I love reading newspaper for me it is complete from fresh issue of the country down to economy as well as people around you, this is one of my daily routine, you’re ideas always inspire me and motivates me more to become more creative…
I am nominating you for Genuine Bloggers Award pls. follow the link at: http://willofheart.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/yay-for-the-awards/
January 20th, 2012 at 23:34
Ahhh! Congratulations on making the news! Keep going upward, sue, keep pushing and you’ll do amazing things. It’s such a good idea too…
Also – just so you know, I’ve moved the blog over to a more “professional” atmosphere, so if you’d still like to be my follower, follow this one – http://kelliedoherty.wordpress.com/ – instead. It’s the same stuff, just different area. I’ll be deleting my Snowed in Scribe blog next week so not to confuse people (and myself, mostly myself, haha!)
January 21st, 2012 at 13:28
Well done you! As for inspiration, my favorite quote is:
“I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.”
― W. Somerset Maugham
Happy writing! Cat
January 21st, 2012 at 15:18
I’ve nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award. (http://scarletdebloyce.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/kreativ-blogger-award/) Thanks for the post..keep blogging
January 22nd, 2012 at 15:17
Congratulations to you–well done!
January 23rd, 2012 at 18:42
Wonderful blog. And, thank you for the follow.
January 31st, 2012 at 12:28
How I wish to read/see myself on a newspaper..