Photo Tuesday - Capturing Our Thoughts

No aspect of writing is as easy as it appears. Crafting an interesting story is a challenge. Writing skills must be top notch. But sometimes it is the act of capturing our thoughts that causes us to struggle. If we learn to relax and pay attention, we can convert those ideas into a real story.

Sometimes it begins as a ripple. A smell jogs our memory. A scene from a movie moves our emotions. That wisp of an idea starts to form. If we focus on that spark, nurture it and allow it to grow in our minds, something more may form...

If the idea has enough strength, then BAM! It takes off on its own. Our mind begins to run with the possibilities. Where could this story lead? Who are the main characters? Does it really have merit?

The ideas may come fast and furious at this point. We must jot down plot twists and characters as they come to us, lest they be lost.

Sometimes these images never make it past a dream-like state. We try and focus, but it just isn't clear. This may be an idea we set aside for another day, when our thoughts are clear or a new spark ignites the storyline.

Sometimes the wind catches our thoughts. It might scatter and expand our first plan. What was once a simple story now contains many elements. It may carry us well beyond our original concept.

If we've been diligent in jotting down our ideas, a pattern will emerge. We will see the path of our story, the twists and turns, and the gratifying ending. We continue fleshing out the plot and characters, allowing the storyline an opportunity to expand and take on dynamic aspects.

At long last, we have a clear picture! There will still be surprises and additions, but we can see where we are going and what it will take to get to our destination.

And that's called getting our ducks in a row! Quack!

Spunky is on the road today - will catch you all when I return tonight!