And welcome back to the site written by a writer for writers who have a passion for writing.
It’s cold here this morning….16 degrees in sunny Olympia…and I have the floor heater right underneath my chair while I write. I now have a very warm butt in case you were wondering. LOL
Onward we go!
I was reading an article on HubPages about selling stock photos to make some extra money. Then my friend Lizzy mentioned an article on Bubblews about finding inspiration from photos. I actually could relate quite well to the second article because much of my inspiration comes from either photos or music.
For those of you who suffer occasionally from writer’s block, try it and see for yourself. Pull out some old pictures and see if they don’t kickstart your brain. Or go to YouTube and listen to some of your favorite music and really listen to the words. I’m willing to bet you will find something to write about soon enough. One of my favorite songwriters/musicians was Dan Fogelberg. He was a wonderful lyricist, and I have several articles that found their genesis in his words and songs.
Originality is a highly overblown concept in my humble opinion. I have no problem borrowing from other artists. Let’s face it, the idea of an original thought is a fallacy. What is original, however, is our spin on that thought. What is original is our writer’s voice bringing new life to an old topic. Pick any subject…let’s say parenting tips. They have been done to death, right? However, nobody has written about them the way you can write about them. In the end it is our voice and our perspective that will matter no matter what we write about. Trust in your voice!
PROMPT OF THE DAY
So here is your opportunity to test drive my idea. Take a look at this one and let your voice roar.
SITE OF THE DAY
Writer’s Digest is a cornucopia of helpful tips. Find their site here and sign up for email updates. You won’t be disappointed.
MY SITE OF THE DAY
A little self-promotion never hurts anyone, right? If you need some editing then drop me a line. For my friends my rate is quite reasonable. Email me at holland1145@yahoo.com and we’ll see what we can do to make that manuscript of yours shine.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
The Bethlehem Writers Short Story Contest is taking submissions until January. Entry fee is $10 and you can find them here.
And my friend Jon passed this along…the Writer’s Digest is having a short story contest. You can read all about it here. Thanks Jon!
GENRE OF THE DAY
Have you ever tried flash fiction? It is gaining popularity and I can certainly see why. For those, like me, who have limited time to read online, reading a flash fiction story is perfect. It only takes a few moments to get through the entire story. For a writer, it is much more difficult than it may appear. Telling a whole story in so few words is not an easy task.
Here is one from my friend Jaye over at HubPages. Give it a read and see if this is something you might like to try.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Give some support to each other. If you have a blog, mention another writer in your blog. It only takes a moment of your time, but it will mean a great deal to that writer. Hey, we all need support, so do your part and spread the love.
MORE NEXT WEEK
You can always find more tips on my HubPages site. Three days a week I post an article related to the craft of writing. Stop by and maybe you’ll find something that is useful for you.
Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and safe as winter descends upon us. Dream of warmer temps and sandy shores.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I love looking at old photos and have used them an inspiration in the past when writing. So, couldn’t agree more with you on this tip today and thank you as always for sharing with us. Have a wonderful Thursday once again now! 🙂
Thanks Janine. Trying to stay warm this morning…a bit nippy here. 🙂
Good morning! We are chilly down here as well this morning–Writers Digest is helpful I think—I use it to see what is out in the writing world outside of my tiny corner—Stay warm!
Audrey, I think most of the nation is now under the cold spell….and will be for quite some time. I will stay warm and thank you for visiting my writing studio.
Bill, you are so right about photos and music as inspirational tools. So can suggestions from other readers. As you know, the subject of my latest blog post was suggested by Vicki Warner. Oh, my goodness! Between the comments left and articles/documentaries sent my way on the topic, I will not be lacking for material. Sometimes it takes an outside influence to reach deep into the writer’s mind.
Not to be a bitch or anything, but it’s still shorts weather here. 🙂 Which actually sucks this late in the year.
Sha, I can’t tell you how happy I am that it is shorts weather there. LOL NOT! I want you shaking and shivering just like the rest of us.
Thanks for your input on this; you are very right about suggestions from others. I got four articles out of a question I posed on Facebook.
Oops. I think I forget to check the follow button. Ignore this!
I take something away from your articles every time I read them, Bill, thank you for the gift of your voice! Oh, and no problem on the contest.
Jon, what a kind thing for you to say…thank you Sir!
I agree Bill…it is how you put your thoughts, that matter since ideas are usually originated from our surroundings or circumstances or news.
Working on my second novel…when it gets completed…will check out your editing rates 🙂
thanks!
Bravo, Ruchira. I hope the novel is everything you want it to be.
Flash fiction sounds pretty interesting! I’ll have to check it out.
And it’s so true ideas spin off others ideas but what we learn or experience is our own new material. It’s rare to see anything that hasn’t been done and redone – guess it’s how it’s presented that can give it new meaning.
I believe that Kelly…I don’t think there are any truly new ideas….just new interpretations of existing stuff. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my friend.
While you’re all snuggled up over there with hot cocoa and a toasty fire to keep warm, we’re throwing back ice cold glasses of water and standing in front of fans. LOL! So strange to know that it’s the total opposite over there. Hope you’re having a fun Sunday!
It is strange, isn’t it Mel? I’ve thought that too; it’s hard to wrap my brain around that fact. I hope you stay cool while we look for warmth anywhere we can find it. Damn cold this morning my friend.
One of the reasons I like photography is the inspiration I get for writing. Good ideas for sure. 🙂
It’s cold here, but not 16. Haha. It’s 44, but I do have a little heater-friend right by my chair, haha.
Stay warm!
Thanks Cyndi! It has been cold for sure but warming up today and we are all grateful.