I had to include this video from the Imagination Movers, as well it fits, it used to be a favourite in our home when my kids were smaller.
As a woman of a certain age, who has spent a fair bit being a single parent and working jobs that fit around school, I have an eclectic CV, that includes geriatric care, nursery teacher (both very similar), publican, business consultant, archaeologist and retail assistant and bouncer plus so many more.
I have studied tourism, history, International peace-keeping, science, literature archaeology, forensics and writing all at higher levels. My interests are as vast and varied as the British Library index list.
I have traveled and moved throughout the UK, lived and shared my life with so many different people that I have notebooks full of tit-bits of character traits, dialogue, location descriptions, and general ideas.
For me, ideas come from being a participant in life, not just an observer, of which I also do, but also from joining in, taking part. Method-writing if you like. While to start with these experiences were not all intentional writing fodder, that is indeed what they have become. My diaries, news cuttings and memories, to Facebook and other social media accounts, from riding an early morning bus filled with a mix of school kids, commuters and oaps getting to the shops early. As I embrace writing, I always have at least my phone with me to record observations and overhearing, if not a notepad and pen.
This illustrious scribbling may not always makes sense but that’s the point. These are ideas, the first step in a chain reaction. Who cares if they are used or not, but at least they are being generated and kept for that possible future time when they shout loud enough for attention.
On a side note, I have found ideas also come from copious amount of coffee and red wine, the latter sometimes incomprehensible but all the same still worth jotting down.
In the words of Shelly…
Adieu! take care of yourself; and, I entreat you, write!