Where do I get my writing ideas?

Better question might be: What kind of a kook would prefer to use a push mower rather than modern equipment, unless she’s Old Order Amish?

Guilty! Well, as you can see, our tiny front yard is mostly moss, so not a humungous feat. Pushing a mower, weeding, or raking leaves is what I call think time; my hands are busy and my mind cavorts into the stratosphere. Some writers can accomplish this altered, creative state while driving a car, and some claim they get their best ideas with music in the background. Not me: When I listen to music, it grabs my attention. I’ve read that knitting—a repetitive action—served noted author Jane Austin well.

To get my mind in gear and away from my must-do list (laundry, putting out garbage), sometimes I’ll take a jog or quick-paced walk with my mini recorder in hand. Hiking up steep hills helps because I’m so out of breath all I can do is concentrate on the intake of oxygen and not tripping on the sidewalk. On occasions, a whole plot will take shape, including the characters and the ending. However I usually don’t know how my characters are going to reach their finale, which leaves a fun adventure to unravel.

I’ve joked that I could create a fictional plot idea every day, and I think I could, because my mind is always playing the “what if?” game. For instance, I might see a couple walking hand-in-hand and come up with ten possible scenarios, especially if they suddenly turn away from each other and tromp off in opposite directions. Or I might see a newspaper article or hear of a situation, and ponder what’s behind the story. Or maybe I’ll be standing at the sink, bored, and consider the possibility of a woman breaking dishes instead of washing them. Or dropping her favorite serving bowl—once her grandmother’s—that her sisters covet.

I can’t delve into every idea that comes to mind because I might spend a year writing, pruning, and honing a manuscript. A gigantic commitment. Researching the Amish was akin to earning a masters degree, because I went to great lengths to get the majority of my facts correct. Yet, I believe most people, be they Amish or big-city folk, struggle with many of the same conflicts and dilemmas. I find people fascinating. And I like them!

If I come across a gem of an idea, I jot it down and slip the scrap of paper into my idea folder, so I don’t forget it. Along with possible titles and characters’ names.

I’ll have more questions to answer and stories to tell in the future!