Turning Days Out Into Story Ideas

"People always want to know: Where do I get my ideas? They're everywhere. I'm inspired by people and things around me." Gwendolyn Brooks

These past few weeks I have been making the most of the summer holidays and having lots of family days out. Although this has taken time away from my writing in terms of words on the page, it has helped me come up with so many new story ideas I don't know what to do with them all.

As an example, a trip to local lead mine gave me the idea for a murder taking place there. The section of mine that we went in had a constant flow of water running through it (about 6 inches/15cm). This water flows out of the mine and is channeled down to the washing floor, where young boys had the job or washing and sorting the rocks and picking out the galena (mineral form of lead). I suddenly had an image of the blood from a murder victim washing out of the mine and over these rocks where the boys were working. 

We also took a walk along the forest trail behind the mine and came upon a derelict 17th century cottage (see image). I have about ten different stories I want to write that are set in this house, ranging from a witch's tale, to one about a group of teenagers staying here for a dare.

So far, every day out that we have had has led to a new idea (not all of them involving murder), inspired by the places and buildings and the stories they hold, as well as the people we met.

If you haven't done it already, think about the last day out that you had and mine it (pun intended) for ideas. I can guarantee that no matter what genre you write in, there will be a story in there somewhere. Don't believe me? Leave a comment telling me about your last day out and the genre you prefer to write (unless you have no preference), and I'll help you find the story.

Sunday Check-In - #ROW80 and Ideas Challenge

#ROW80

I probably picked one of the worst times to start this challenge as my husband goes away next week (he's in the Merchant Navy). Instead of spending more time on my writing I have actually spent less, concentrating on doing things as a family instead. His next trip is set to be a really long one so I have no regrets about this, after all, family should always come first. For that reason I will also be taking tomorrow off and there will be no blog post, but normal service will resume on Wednesday.

That being said, I have managed to complete two flash fiction pieces and have three more worked out and started, so I am confident that I can catch up and stay on target to get 20 done by the end of the month.

Ideas Challenge

In Monday's post I set myself a challenge to notice as many of the ideas that would normally pass us by in everyday life as I possibly could. On the first day this went really well and because I was more conscious of it, I noticed a lot more than I normally would and came up with quite a few new story ideas as well as certain elements, such as places and activities, that I would like to include in other stories.

After that, life kind of got in the way and I went back to noticing only half as much. I am going to continue this though and try to train myself to be more open to, and aware of, my surroundings.

How about you? How did you get on this week? Let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you. And remember, if you want to visit others in the #ROW80 blog hop you can use the links below.

A Thousand Story Ideas: Challenge Accepted

"Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don't see any." Orson Scott Card

Image via deviantart.net

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I am aiming to write 20 pieces of flash fiction this month as part of Camp NaNo and ROW80. That being the case, I need to start opening my eyes and my mind a lot more and picking up the ideas that are already around me.

Reading the above quote gave me a Barney Stinson moment. (If you have no idea what I'm on about, see image then go watch How I Met Your Mother, you can thank me later.)

So this week I am going to try my hardest to notice as many story ideas as I possibly can and capture them in a notebook or on my phone. I'll update you all on Sunday with how I got on.

Anyone want to join in? Go on, you know you want to. You can update your progress in the comments on this post or wait till Sunday's post, I'd love to hear how you get on.

Weekly Inspirations #4

In my Notebook This Week

Lengthen the chain. This came from a post on The Bookshelf Muse. The post talks about the way in which your writing can affect the lives of those who read it and in turn affect others who are touched in some way by that reader. But my big take away from the post was the way in which one small detail can have an affect on the plot and be significant further down the line, sort of like sliding doors or the butterfly effect concept and this is a reminder to make more use of that technique.

Mix the everyday with the sinister. This came from reading a blog post Jungle Red Writers about creating Hitchcock moments. I strongly recommend reading the post. I wrote this down as a reminder to myself that if I am wanting to create a feeling of unease I need to use everyday objects that are slightly off in some way. The examples given in the post are a phone that is off the hook, a car seat that has been adjusted, a light on in an attic room that is never used. All of these point to something being wrong and are all things that we can all relate to, we know how it would make us feel, so we feel the unease without it having to be spelled out.

Surprise package. On Wednesday I received a parcel when I had not been expecting anything. As it turns out it was a replacement for some faulty items I had returned a while back. But, it got me thinking about what could be sent through the post unexpectedly. The whole 'body parts being posted' thing has been done to death but what about a murder weapon? You open up a parcel and take out the contents, putting your fingerprints on it. A short while later, acting on an anonymous tip off, the police arrive and search your house, finding the murder weapon they have been looking for you are arrested for murder.

Tweeted Links

Motivational/Inspirational

BRAVE: Inspiring story of Tommy Carroll, a blind skaterhttp://buff.ly/117nsPg  #inspiring

Who Do You Think You Are and Is It Limiting You? | Tiny Buddhahttp://shar.es/CUJFQ  #personalgrowth via @BWitzenhausen

The Process - http://goo.gl/bFkvx  #motivation #inspiration #read via @GreenSkyDeb

Excuses or Opportunities - It's Your Choice http://goo.gl/jV39W  via@azmomofmanyhats

Great Article: Three Steps to Discovering Your Shadow:   Everyone has several shadow complexe... http://bit.ly/WiBUhB  #ArchetypeInAction via @AIAOrganization

A pep talk from #kidpresident http://buff.ly/XiW6gI  You have to see this,#awesomeyear

I'm just 13 years old. I write by blinking out words and phrases.http://www.britwriters.com/news/brit-writers-and-adam-bojelian.html … . via @Brit_Writers

James Meredith: What I've Learned http://fb.me/1WEuzXUNj  via @meredithetc

Writing/Blogging

The Step That Bridges The Gap Between You To Your Writing Dreams by @InkyBites http://buff.ly/XhSfSO 

Live your own life, and find your own joy. http://tinyurl.com/7wufcpl  via @Seeds4Parents

Interpersonal Characterisation The Blood-Red Pencilhttp://buff.ly/119TASg 

How to Train Your Muse Like You Train Your Dog « Creative Juicer by @emilywenstrom http://buff.ly/U1hJYl 

30 Bite-Sized Writing Tips From 30 Great Bloggers http://goo.gl/oA0rO  via@HectorCuevas

Writer, are ya? Check out our FREE short story contests athttp://freshinkgroup.com . Many genres to choose from. Enter today.

The Publishing Process in GIF Form - via @NathanBransfordhttp://buff.ly/11tduC9  You have to see this, very funny

Sympathetic Characters Part 6: Unfairness by @mooderino

Three Ways to Add Tension During Revisions by @Janice_Hardyhttp://buff.ly/Ucis9h 

How To Be An Artist (In Twelve Words) | A Big Creative Yes by@coachcreative http://buff.ly/Y2tFEt 

Jungle Red Writers: Hallie's Hitchcock Moments... By @jungleredshttp://buff.ly/11hN5wJ 

21 lies that writers tell themselves. (excuses for not writing) So true...http://www.theawl.com/2012/10/lies-writers-tell …via @lawrence_wray

Tips on how to write an honest book review http://ow.ly/hngHn  via @SandyAppleyard

It's a Mystery: 10 Questions to Drive a Writer Wacky - http://elspeth-itsamystery.blogspot.com/2011/03/10-questions-to-drive-writer-wacky.html?spref=tw … via @LynetteBenton

Guest post by fab #thriller author Seb Kirby - How I Writehttp://www.sibelhodge.com/my-blog/how-i-write-by-seb-kirby … #writing #thrillers via @FaithMortimer

New post: Web Writer: To Find Writing Jobs, Go To Where the Clients Are http://bit.ly/14LygS5  via @angee

Why? Why? Why? A very important question authors should be able to answer http://goo.gl/an7yU  via @SusanLeighNoble

#MondayBlogs Do we put our partner before our wok? Hell, NO! We have no Energy http://bit.ly/W7vemi  True or False? Tell us! via @AndriaKelly

"On Being Inspired" an article by @NancyWait on Inspirational Storytellers. Beautiful writing. #IST #MondayBlogs http://ow.ly/gcTpP  via @ISTellers

New Blog Post: Another Monday... http://goo.gl/fb/Y0KYm  #reading#mondayblogs #giveaway via @Girl_Who_Reads

#MondayBlogs Why Live-Only Tweeting Doesn't Work http://ow.ly/hjiZ5  via@BadRedheadMedia

What is a Comment exactly? Tossing It Out by @ArleeBirdhttp://buff.ly/WTEcVt  Do you leave a comment when you read a good post?

How to Break Out of Your Freelance Writing Comfort Zone | The Renegade Writer http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2013/02/04/how-to-break-out-of-your-freelance-writing-comfort-zone/ … via@lformichelli

The BEST thing I've ever done for my writing career:http://s.shr.lc/WTkwky  #amwriting #pubtip #writers via @KatieGanshert

This Is the Place for #atozchallenge News! http://goo.gl/dYqnr  via@AprilA2Z

The fabulously fun @Valeriebrbr invited me over to her blog for a chat :) http://thewriteoneval.blogspot.com/  via @MEFranco1

10 rules of writing by famous authors. From Hilary Mantel, Ian Rankin, Rose Tremain, etc. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/10-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-two … via @lawrence_wray

I write the books I want to read - do you?http://terrytyler59.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/i-write-books-i-want-to-read-do-you.html … … #MondayBlogs@Brit_Writers #wkbtweet #BYNR #ASMSG #authorRT via TerryTyler4

The Bookshelf Muse: Lengthening the Chain by @beccapuglisihttp://buff.ly/XiWZ9k  Brilliant #inspiring post

Beyond The Basics: 5 Ways To Take Your Writing Further | Write to Done by @thecreativepenn http://buff.ly/WTvbvx 

The New Freelance Writer’s Quick-and-Simple Guide to Getting Started by @TiceWrites http://buff.ly/14AamI6 

Five Edits to Strengthen Your Writing, Right Now by @Janice_Hardyhttp://buff.ly/11kYs7d 

Writers can be a lonely bunch. http://pinterest.com/pin/235946467949836298/ … via @Acorok

Pls RT 'Terrific Tales from TerryTyler.' Top British writer tells all!http://bit.ly/XytDFy  #asmsg #indie #BYNR#kindle via @TimVicary

MiniScreen Pictures are looking for new scripts of under 30 mins to develop exclusively for smart phones & tablets: http://bbc.in/12snyjM  via @bbcwritersroom

Crafting a story from scratch http://goo.gl/MOlAf  via @LisaJJackson

Can I Meet the Challenge? #AtoZChallenge Newbie #PINhttp://pinterest.com/pin/388998486534122641/ … via @eBookBuilders

We're about to hit 600 on the #atozchallenge 2013 sign-up list! If you're a blogger, your name should be on it www-a-z-http://buff.ly/wCpN14  via @damyantig

Forcing Readers To Like Characters: Recognition by @mooderinohttp://buff.ly/VHUH9o 

Ten mistakes I’ve made with my writing career that you can avoid by@ajackwriting http://buff.ly/VI6Qew  

THE ABC’S OF WRITING: THE SECRETS TO SUCCESShttp://goo.gl/RKwZ9  via @colin_falconer

http://ryandaltonwrites.com/?p=162  Sparking the desire to write: via @budbin

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 40 ~ Take the “Ing” out of “Boring” « Robin Coyle http://buff.ly/Y9SjTJ 

Love to read? Have a blog? Join our #AuthorBloggerConnect and support #authors FREE #amreading http://goo.gl/XxDk1  via @janmoran

Freelance Writing offers from Alaska Airlines, SaltScapes, Earth Island Journal ... http://awe.sm/k5uw8  via @111publishing

A Biological Basis for Murder by @jamesjmurray1 http://buff.ly/UzDFKc 

8 Ways to Help Your Favorite Author* - Books & Such Literary Agency : Books & Such Literary Agency: http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/8-ways-to-help-your-favorite-author/#.URKVg_AHS58.twitter … via @ElenaYatesEulo

@KhaledTalib What do you think? Possible?http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/dark-patch-xray-killers-brain-scans-212141274.html …

Save Your Story - Switch the POV http://goo.gl/QwHQu  via @JL_Campbell

Why You Need to Stop Learning About Blogging http://goo.gl/8dgDd  via@dukeo

Writing about Writing http://goo.gl/d1m4M  via @kw_mccabe

How many words should you write in a day?http://lawrencewray.wordpress.com/how-many-words-a-day/ … via @lawrence_wray

Character Development—Distinguishing Secondary Characters from Each Other by @elizabethscraig http://buff.ly/YaFqsx 

Check out my latest blog post, guys. --> The 8 Best IPhone Apps/Widgets Every Writer Should Have http://wp.me/p2VLcd-DB  via@MrFrancisBaraan

A Passage to Writing: Writing Rut by @EmilyFeustel http://buff.ly/VYJBJK 


Quotes

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - E. M. Forster via @QuotesNSmiles

When I am asked what kind of writing is the most lucrative, I have to say: ransom notes - H. N. SWANSON via @qikipedia

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." - Milton Berle "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney via @ProNetworkBuild

Beauty is all around you. If you just pry your eyelids open. @kseniaanske

Failure is a state of mind. If u find ur self there-open ur heart & allow it 2 guide u 2 a better state.~Gale Minchew #angelsarebusy #quote via @galeminchew

It won't grow if you don't water it. @kseniaanske

"You can't use up #creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou via @EricZengo

Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.” @KIMPITBULL123

and for you others...that talk about writing your #book..and still haven't....stop talking and start #writing...life is short... #authors @GPWriter

"A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it." -- Alfred Alistair Cooke via @egfabricant

"Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness" Geroge Snatayana via @Melissa_Foster

It's funny about life: if you refuse to accept anything but the very best you will very often get it. ~William Somerset Maugham #Quotes via @Tamara_Carlisle

Some people find fault like there is a reward for it. ~ Zig Ziglar#Success #Quote via @RockChristopher

It's okay to be afraid to write. Just pack that fear into the ugliest bag you can imagine, put it on your shoulder, and KEEP GOING FORWARD. @kensiaanske

"I'm all in favor of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with typewriters." - Frank Lloyd Wright via @ProNetworkBuild

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind. Ralph Waldo Emerson via @SonnyBoninsegna

"Just go out there and do what you've got to do." - Martina Navratilova via @GreatestQuotes

"Be certain that your dream is yours" #sevenwordquote @GeoffTalbot

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." - Confucius via @GreatestQuotes

"Never look back unless you are #planning to go that way " - Henry David Thoreau #quote via @ImRover

I've failed over & over & over again in my life & that is why I succeed. -Michael Jordan via @Sports_HQ

“To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.” Anonymous #quote via @ScarberryFields

"Humanity has advanced because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature, ... not just sober, responsible, and cautious." ~ Tom Robbins via @DreamSculptr

If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you. @4hair01

"The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein via @GreatestQuotes

Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.-Evan Esar #dreams #quote via @KristinPulioff

If you are afraid to try you are doomed to fail. @EvolvingRedHead

The Wound is the place where the Light enters... ~ RUMI Found athttp://on.fb.me/USXr0Y  pic.twitter.com/iA4eUgLX via VKRamsey

Dare to see the beauty and inspiration within yourself. ~Gale Minchew #angelsarebusy #quote

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. ~ Chinese Proverbs via @RockChristopher

"Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly." - Dr. Robert Schuller via @GreatestQuotes

Perhaps the greatest freedom is to be free of the opinion of others. ~@AineBelton #Aine

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light. ~ Albus Dumbledore via @TiffanyDaune

Books

I Have a Secret 4.7 stars. http://ow.ly/hmWV6  #mystery #thriller #NothingFeelsBetterThan by @cherylbradshaw

What would you do if a court freed yr child's killer? A Fatal Verdict#legal #thriller UK http://amzn.to/JgdbFn  US http://amzn.to/Jgd78D  by @TimVicary

The 100 best mystery novels of all time | MetaFilter http://buff.ly/PwIvAm 

Top 10 Books for Writers You Need to Read Now http://bit.ly/MrpL50  via @EricStoffle

Get free access to kid-approved reading app @Bookboard for a limited time and enjoy #ipad #books at yr fingertips.http://bookboard.linqiad.com/click/YGxQaGUzdHJk … #ad via @slowfamily

Locus Magazine 2012 Recommended Reading List http://goo.gl/cskdd  via@macavityabc

If you like contemporary women's fiction with gazillions of 4/5* reviews, here's my Amazon page! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Terry-Tyler/e/B00693EGKM … …http://www.amazon.com/Terry-Tyler/e/B00693EGKM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 … via @TerryTyler4

5 of 5 stars to The Emotion Thesaurus by @AngelaAckermanhttp://bit.ly/Y8o2Vq 

MURDER FOR BID #New #CozyMystery 4 #Kindle via@MSistersPublish http://bit.ly/11tDTQs  #AMENL #IAN1 #goodreads@foulplayauthor

"This was a great book! It sucks you in and leaves you wanting more." Read it #free (for now). #Fantasy #YA http://amzn.to/Y5e3jP  via @thesmboyce

Want to know more about 'Free Will'? - Forces of Light v. Darknesshttp://bit.ly/14DjQ5s  #ASMSG http://bit.ly/14DjJqF 

A terrifying trip through the dark heart of vengeance. "R-Day," a thriller novel. http://viewBook.at/B009ZL4952  #kindle #ian1 #ebook#fiction via @ptmayes

Barnes and Noble finally add my book to their listings -http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyond-the-dream-oliver-kennedy/1114142379?ean=2940044214453 … #nook #fantasy via @oliverwpk

My review @Sihpromatum - I Grew My Boobs In China by Savannah Grace - five stars! Get your copy today! http://ow.ly/hpVZw  pls RT via @BarwellMark

WriteSpa's "Writing thru the Year" 52 weeks of YOUR writing pleasure FREE till Valentine's Day! http://winsloweliot.com/2013/01/free-download-of-writing-through-the- via @winslowelliot

Load your #Kindle with some chilling stories > Emily Stone Thriller Series http://amzn.to/Hs1FkJ  #IAN1 #crime #thriller #mystery Plz RT via @JChaseNovelist

Funny/Pics/Other

“The Voices in your Head” - Activating the sensible, internal dialogue: http://fb.me/1ov5XVqZ5 

Unexpected Friends - via @womens9 http://buff.ly/WGMnVd  Incredible

The Most Photogenic Kitten on the Internet | Loves Animalshttp://buff.ly/U5As1T  I want this kitten so bad #toocute

The #MostDangerousGame by Jake Swearingen McSweeney’shttp://buff.ly/14yD5hF  Absolutely brilliant, you must read this!

:)))))))) pic.twitter.com/EU2fE3yS via @VKRamsey

Stunning RT @Georg_Grey #photography 25 Incredibly Detailed Black And White Portraits of the Homeless (by Lee Jeffries)http://tinyurl.com/3wvkfss 

Incredible RT @VKRamsey 3D sidewalk art! Found athttp://on.fb.me/14AOfSX  http://bit.ly/UHcafl 

Simon's Cat in 'Double Touble' http://buff.ly/WSvw1J  via @DailymotionHilarious

Check out Stop That Thought… @ http://janecarrollauthor.com/stop-thought/  #badmorning #mondayblogs

8 Stupid Amazon Products With Impressively Sarcastic Reviews |http://buff.ly/11HBOjU 

Click here if you would like your image of Spiderman tainted forever:http://bit.ly/11QPIQI  via @ScottTBartlett

Complete Lyrics from Robin Sparkles PS I Love You on How I Met Yor Mother #HIMYM http://goo.gl/9kH62  via @seriesandtv

This is soooo cute, if you like cats, click this link- StumbleUponhttp://buff.ly/WO5c9e 

Feed Me - Simon's Cat http://buff.ly/Y9RIl6  Hilarious

Brilliant! RT @Lesism “Mordor, She Wrote” – Part one of my Tolkien/Lansbury rip-off: http://bit.ly/rXY6hV 

Only in #London: pic.twitter.com/6DfQzJyk via @EkentaDigital

When we respond to a child's intentional cruelty w/our own anger, how can s/he learn about compassion?http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/02/06/you-know-better-than-that-or-do-you/ … via @Annie_Fox

What has inspired you this week? Share in the comments.