Question Time—From Whence Do Your Ideas Flow?

A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling rather brain dead and asked for your help. And of course, you guys are awesome and totally came through for me with some great suggestions. I'm feeling much less brain dead now. Though I don't think it will ever completely go away. ;) A few of you asked questions. I won't address them all in one post, but I'll get started on them today, at least.

Tere Kirkland asked:

Where do your ideas come from?

I'm pretty random when it comes to this. There are things in my stories that come from my own personal experience. Like, for some reason, every story I've started thus far has involved a parent dying. I know this stems from the death of my own mother and how much it changed who I am and my perception of the world, but usually, it's not intentional. That's just where the story always goes on its own. I'm working on that. There needs to be a little more variety in my storylines.

The idea for Embrol, which so far, is the only one I've followed through to the end, has been a combined effort between my husband and me. Especially the first draft. He's awesome for brainstorming when I'm stuck on something and very good at pointing out when I'm veering off in the wrong direction.

I grew up the oldest of four girls, which meant our house was girly central 24/7 and the land of hormones. Lots of drama in my house. It drove me crazy. I've never considered myself a tomboy, but I've always abhorred lace and ruffles and for the longest time I wanted nothing to do with anything pink. Now that I'm older, I'm finding that I like those things more in small amounts, especially having girls of my own. But when I was young, I preferred listening to rock music with my dad and reading JRR Tolkein or the Sunday comics—LOVED the Sunday comics. I never had any interest in Sweet Valley High or The Babysitters Club, though my sisters loved those books.

When I met my husband—the oldest of three boys—I was introduced to a whole new world of superheroes and action movies. I still enjoy a good tearjerker once in a while, but I love the evolution of a superhero, and the idea of discovering new powers and capabilities beyond what is considered normal. Of course, there has to be a romantic element, too. :)

So, I guess, in a roundabout way, that's how I came up with the idea for Embrol. It's all about Olivia's struggle to find herself after she loses her mother, while trying to accept her new role as protector of Earth and understand her connection to Jack, the boy responsible for her mother's death, and how that relationship affects almost every aspect of her life. It's definitely more complicated now than how it started out.

I have a few other ideas for stories jotted down in the little notebook I keep in my purse. Nothing developed, just little sparks from things I've seen or heard. My most recent idea came the other night when I was watching TV. No, not LOST, though that's one of the few things I watch these days. And I think I have the whole switching back and forth thing figured out, but I'll keep that to myself. :) The story idea actually came from a twenty second portion of a series premier we were watching. I can't even remember the name of the show. But it was incredible how that one little trigger inspired a whole storyline. It all just unfolded in my head as I sat there not really watching the rest of the show. So awesome when that happens.

Well, that got a little long-winded. :) Guess I'll save the rest for next Thursday.

What about all of you? Where do your ideas come from?