RendezvouswithGretchenRhue

Ready for number 8?

WRITE, PLOT, PEOPLE WATCH…WHEREVER YOU ARE!

My husband, Jeff, and I were having dinner out–yes, they do let me out from time-to-time–and I asked him what he thought the couple at the next table’s story was. He gave me a blank look. I asked, “Don’t you think about people’s stories; imagine what they’re like; what they fought about; how long they’ve been together; where they came from, etc?” A simple ‘no’ told me not everyone thinks like a writer. I’m not a stalker or eavesdropper, just creatively borrowing from the lives of real strangers.

If you’ve been called to write, then you won’t be able to stop. Even if you don’t get the words on paper, your mind is still writing; still creating scenarios. I can’t help but create worlds, dialogue, and imaginary private lives of many strangers I see. Little things about them are logged for future characters and plots. So beware…if you cross my path you may end up in one of my books…your name changed, of course!

There’s great material out there. Just open your eyes and keep a notebook handy. Jot these bits of inspiration down because when life gets in the way, you will most likely forget.

Not in the habit of imagining? Pick up a book of writing prompts. Give yourself five minutes and see where you go. Better yet, do prompts in a group and share your stories. You’ll be amazed at the variety. A writing friend introduced me to this and it really helped me to see the sky’s the limit in writing.

The blank page (or screen) doesn’t taunt me because I’ve trained myself to find one of the millions of stories lurking on that ominous white page.  That isn’t to say I don’t have blank moments. I just know if I dive deep enough, wait long enough, I’ll find the story, the buried treasure. Or if that buried treasure ends up more like the old boot at the bottom of the pond, I’ll chase another story! The challenege then is to make it worthy of the reader’s time. Some stories are. Some…not as much. But the next one may be, so keep at it!

Happy writing!