Really, the first step to writing something, especially in the creative realm, is to come up with an idea. It really perplexes me that some people can't seem to come up with things to write about. To me, generating story ideas is really all about those two little words that writers cling to incessantly: "What if...(insert story idea here)?" It comes down to imagination, to your ability to explore the possibilities or even develop some that aren't plausible within an everyday context (these falling into the fantasy, sci-fi and, often, horror genres). Looking back, I can see that I have, in fact, been exercising my imagination in some form for as long as I can remember, and being a writer is simply an extension of that. Anyway, to keep this post from rambling on too much (lol...), I'll get right to some tips that have helped me develop the 100+ story ideas that I currently have in stock.
-Carry a notebook with you at all times.
It's been my experience that inspiration often strikes at the oddest times, whether you're seconds from falling asleep, in the middle of a project at work or driving at 70 miles per hour (though I don't recommend writing and driving...:)...careful with that). For the last several months, I have been carrying a little black book (not that kind...) with me everywhere I go, and in that time, that book has miraculously begun to fill up with story ideas, song ideas, additional notes for existing stories... you could even write down some inspiring quotes that you come across... (The current Table quote would be a good one to start off your new notebook). Unfettered by the anxiety and self-inflicted pressure that you (or at least I) put on myself during the actual writing process, the best ideas often turn out to be the spontaneous ones. If you don't write them down ASAP, they'll be lost forever. There's no so thing as bad ideas... you never know when something will prove useful. Write it down!
-Read the news.
Likely, you're not going to get a story idea based on the wars in the Middle East or Obama's economic plan, but you'd be surprised at some of the wacky and unique stuff that goes on in the world. In the last week alone, I got two fairly awesome (if I do say so myself...) story ideas just from reading the AOL Welcome page. Keep an eye out for the latest happenings, and you might just find the spark you need to develop your own story idea out of it.
-Speculation is your friend.
As I briefly mentioned in the intro to this post, "what if?" is an unbelievable tool to identify story ideas. Though it can sometimes be a burden, overthinking things too much can sometimes be an advantage (guilty as charged!). Some of my favorite story ideas have derived from my own moments of paranoia, curiosity about what the world and people around me and other musings that would otherwise have been lost amidst the sea of thoughts that swim through my head each day. Remember: even the smallest seedling can turn into an amazing story with a little bit of creative nourishment (I'm speaking from personal experience...).
I'm sure there are many other little tips I could impart to you, but so as to not spend my entire Saturday in front of my computer screen (don't I already do that Monday to Friday!?!), I'm going to leave you with these three, since they are my biggest tools to develop stories. I hope this has been helpful, and if you have some of your own strategies about how to create memorable story ideas, please feel free to share! Every little bit helps... :)
Happy writing y'all....
Rob out.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Hate Craigslist Right Now!!!!
Sorry ya'll just had to vent a little because I'm so tired of writers (and freelance photographers) being screwed!
Freelancers have enough trouble chasing their money and getting writing gigs. Being a freelancer myself I know this all too well. Waited almost 6 months for one check!!!
Sites like Craigslist are really starting to annoy me. Everyday people post links to new writing gigs that offer "great exposure", "article needed" and blah blah blah and every dang one of them says compensation:no pay. This is ridiculous!! Why would any writer send a free article to anyone that is in turn going to use your words for profit? The fact that users of Craigslist expect it all the time is annoying enough, but the fact that there are repeat offenders, including ones that want pieces 2,000 words or more makes me even more upset.
If I'm going to write anything for free it will be because it's on MY website or MY blog and then I'll sign up for frikkin AdWords or sell ads on my site so that if anyone makes money off my work-it will be me!!!
Screw you Mr. No Pay! Any writer with at least 2 clips should be able to get at least a little bit of coin for good work!!!
Freelancers have enough trouble chasing their money and getting writing gigs. Being a freelancer myself I know this all too well. Waited almost 6 months for one check!!!
Sites like Craigslist are really starting to annoy me. Everyday people post links to new writing gigs that offer "great exposure", "article needed" and blah blah blah and every dang one of them says compensation:no pay. This is ridiculous!! Why would any writer send a free article to anyone that is in turn going to use your words for profit? The fact that users of Craigslist expect it all the time is annoying enough, but the fact that there are repeat offenders, including ones that want pieces 2,000 words or more makes me even more upset.
If I'm going to write anything for free it will be because it's on MY website or MY blog and then I'll sign up for frikkin AdWords or sell ads on my site so that if anyone makes money off my work-it will be me!!!
Screw you Mr. No Pay! Any writer with at least 2 clips should be able to get at least a little bit of coin for good work!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Do social networking sites have practical use?
As I mentioned in my last message, I have several ideas for posts that I’ve been sitting on for a while so here’s the first of these long-gestating posts.
These days, it seems that all sorts of media outlets (including the one where I work) have introduced a social networking component to their websites, thereby encouraging people to engage in social networking while on the job.
However, considering that sites like Facebook and MySpace are already known to be timewasters for employees, do you think mixing the two as such is a smart move? Or is it merely a more constructive alternative for employees who have a tendency to drift their attention away from the task at hand?
I have mixed feelings about this, as I can see both the benefits and drawbacks a system like this has. On the one hand, it can detract from other, ultimately more important parts of employees’ workdays, but it can also be a useful networking tool, at least in theory.
What do you guys think? Is social networking at work a good idea, at least for journalists? Clearly, the idea is to make connections that help your professional life, but does it even accomplish that goal? I'm not entirely convinced...
But I’m anxious to hear what you all think… Sound off in the comments section.
Rob out.
These days, it seems that all sorts of media outlets (including the one where I work) have introduced a social networking component to their websites, thereby encouraging people to engage in social networking while on the job.
However, considering that sites like Facebook and MySpace are already known to be timewasters for employees, do you think mixing the two as such is a smart move? Or is it merely a more constructive alternative for employees who have a tendency to drift their attention away from the task at hand?
I have mixed feelings about this, as I can see both the benefits and drawbacks a system like this has. On the one hand, it can detract from other, ultimately more important parts of employees’ workdays, but it can also be a useful networking tool, at least in theory.
What do you guys think? Is social networking at work a good idea, at least for journalists? Clearly, the idea is to make connections that help your professional life, but does it even accomplish that goal? I'm not entirely convinced...
But I’m anxious to hear what you all think… Sound off in the comments section.
Rob out.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I'm BACK...
...and honestly, I have no good reason for neglecting the Table. As you guys know, real life has a way of getting in the way of our creative aspirations. However, for the, like, 3 of you that care what I've been up to, let me offer this summary of what's gone down in my world since September (God, has it been that long since I posted here).
As most of you know, I've been working full-time at a local newspaper, and while it's been rewarding as all hell and given me an unbelievably large step forward in my career as a writer, it has also cut into my time to the point where I have taken something of a sabbatical from graduate school. While a 9 to 5 is definitely a setback as far as the creative process goes, I have managed to make some progress on my never-ending screenplay (halfway through the 2nd draft finally!), have brainstormed some song ideas and even reignited my passion for a novel that I started with a friend (in fact, it'll be my next project once my screenplay is done...whenever that is...lol). Aside from that, I've been dealing with a myriad of other ongoing irritants, including some just-resolved issues relating to my coursework.
Yesterday, I conducted an interview for an upcoming story with a local professional who also dabbles in creative stuff, and he offered me some wise words of encouragement about how I wouldn't want to let years go by and look back on writing that I never finished. I had already been looking to return to the Table and re-focus on my screenplay and such, but this apparently was that nudge I needed to actually make my triumphant re-emergence (haha...).
In any case, I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and any other holiday I missed in my absence. I have plenty of ideas for posts, and I promise I will attempt to post on here more regularly. Maybe I can even manage a weekly post. :0
Although we all know how writers do with schedules... ;)
Stay tuned......
Robert out
As most of you know, I've been working full-time at a local newspaper, and while it's been rewarding as all hell and given me an unbelievably large step forward in my career as a writer, it has also cut into my time to the point where I have taken something of a sabbatical from graduate school. While a 9 to 5 is definitely a setback as far as the creative process goes, I have managed to make some progress on my never-ending screenplay (halfway through the 2nd draft finally!), have brainstormed some song ideas and even reignited my passion for a novel that I started with a friend (in fact, it'll be my next project once my screenplay is done...whenever that is...lol). Aside from that, I've been dealing with a myriad of other ongoing irritants, including some just-resolved issues relating to my coursework.
Yesterday, I conducted an interview for an upcoming story with a local professional who also dabbles in creative stuff, and he offered me some wise words of encouragement about how I wouldn't want to let years go by and look back on writing that I never finished. I had already been looking to return to the Table and re-focus on my screenplay and such, but this apparently was that nudge I needed to actually make my triumphant re-emergence (haha...).
In any case, I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and any other holiday I missed in my absence. I have plenty of ideas for posts, and I promise I will attempt to post on here more regularly. Maybe I can even manage a weekly post. :0
Although we all know how writers do with schedules... ;)
Stay tuned......
Robert out
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