August 4, 2008

Where Do Those Ideas Come From?


First I want to thank my hostess for allowing me a day to post on her blog. It was a lucky day when I met Miz Anna Kathryn. She's become a great friend and confidante. So...on to the topic at hand:

I know when I was purely a reader, I often wondered where authors got the ideas that fueled their stories. Now as a writer, I realize that almost every book I've written has a bit of my own life experience somewhere. It doesn't have to be a big chunk of the plot, or anything that stands out, but I think we all tend to find something to which we can relate. Whether it be an old boyfriend and the feelings he conjured up with that first kiss or a bad memory, having our hero or heroine reenact that scene gives the author a chance to perhaps deal with it in a different way, or just re-live the excitement. It might even be someone's fantasy you're reading. :)

Embezzled Love is my latest release, and sadly the whole book is based on a true-life experience. I wrote the book as a testament to my sister's strength but also as a warning to people who use the Internet as a means of finding their soul-mate. Just like everything else, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. This was not a story of success, trust me, but it did provide fodder for a very interesting and unusual story that already garnered a fabulous review--from my SON! He never reads romance, nor does he call often. He phoned the other day specifically to tell me how much he enjoyed it and what a wonderful author he thinks I am. I can only equate that with receiving as Oscar! Wow. Talk about surprised.

So, since I have the whole day here, I'm going to drop in a few times and share some of my questionable wisdom with you. At the end of the day, I shall draw a name from the people who leave comments and present a free PDF copy of any one of my available books to the winner. I hear a grandson rattling around up stairs, so before he does too much damage, I'm off to check. Be back soon.

11 comments:

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

I think it's always neat to hear about the plotting process. I'm inbetween stories right now, finishing up edits on my two stories set for a fall release, but I'm not really writing anything new.

However, yesterday, while driving to take the two older grandkids to their parents, I sorted out an idea for a story who's plot idea I got from a country-western song. I'm hoping as soon as this current tropical storm/hurricane passes us by, I can get started on it.

Thanks, Ginger for being my guest blogger today. Since it turns out I have to hurricane supply shop today, I'm glad I don't have to worry about my blog.

~Anne Kathryn

Ciara Gold said...

It is interesting to dissect the thought process and wonder just how that idea was born. Yesterday, I was working on a piece and all the sudden, from nowhere, an idea for a sequel was hatched. Dunno if anything will come of it, but man, where did the thought come from?

Life experiences are a great resource. I'm included several scenes that were inspired by stories I'd heard or real experiences. I'm sorry if your sister had a difficult time with romance, but something good came from her trials if you wrote another great book. She would be proud, I think. And wow, too fun about your son. None of my family with the exception of my mother has read any of my books.

Chris Redding said...

I enjoy those times they do pop ups on a movie and tell you something about the scene or the making of the movie.
Hearing about the background of a book is similar.
cmr

Jannine said...

Hi Ginger:
I enjoyed reading about your plotting/thought process. It's always fascinating to read about how other authors come up with their stories.

In interviews, I'm often asked about where my ideas come from. I could say "I don't know." But really, they come from a song, a conversation, a photo I see, a simple sentence I've overheard. I think when you have a fertile imagination, story ideas will abound.

How many books do you have published to date? Is there a particular story you'd like to work on, maybe one that's been brewing for years and you haven't been able to see the plot played out yet?

Unknown said...

Stay safe, my friend!

Ginger

Unknown said...

J...I'm going to post my answer on the blog. Thanks for asking.

Unknown said...

Actually, Jannine, I'll post here as I have another topic in mind for later on the blog. *indecisive mind at work*

I can't count my releases so let me name them: *a chance for promo* :)
Prairie Peace - Western Historical
Sisters in Time - Time Travel (currently switching publishers)
Beside Myself - Romantic Suspense
White Heart - Lakota Spririt - Western Historical
Embezzled Love - Contemporary
Life is a Bowl of Toilets and I Clean Them - Short Humorous
Life is a Bowl of Toilets and I Feel Flush - Short Humorous

I've also released Chastity's Charms and Paging Dr. Jones, and Virginia's miracles as re-released novellas. Coming in October is Forever Faith, which was also pre-pubbed and now being re-released by Eternal Press. Five of my Shorter Works will eventually be released in print format as an anthology entitled Stages of Love...those included are:
Chastity's Charms
Forever Faith
Hope Springs Eternal
Amazing Grace
Joy's Revelation

I'm hoping people will want the collection although they are being offered separately as they are released.

I've also signed a contract to release a short story via a magazine, and have two more submitted for consideration. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Add the three works in progress I have, and I wonder why I'm here using my keystrokes on blogging rather than finishing something. *lol* This is much more fun.

Ging

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Ginger,
Just popping in before I leave for work to say hi and wish you all the best for your day here.
I agree about creating stories based on real life situations, you only need the germ of an idea to start on something that will turn out very big.
Regards
Margaret

Jannine said...

You are certainly prolific, Ginger. And I don't know any other author who is as funny as you are. *grins* I wish you the best on all your endeavors, my friend.
Ciao.

Phyllis Campbell said...

I know I'm late, but I wanted to say 'hi' to my sister!!! Hey Ginger!! You know I lubs ya!!

~Phyllis~

TamiC said...

This book sounds great. I have wondered if stories came from personal relationships or out of the authors fantasy! Glad you were one of the guest bloggers. Hope your grandson didn't get into too many things.