Finding Inspiration
Sometimes all it takes is a tiny spark to set off a story. A feeling, a thought, a happening. Such was the case for me at my granddaughter’s dance show in early June.
As I watched the dancers, I felt their enthusiasm and excitement. The choreography, musical selections, and their smiles or serious expressions that the music brought forth.
Then there were the little ones, probably their first performance ever on a stage in front of all those people. Two older dancers came out with each small group of girls and boys. A few small ones waved to Mum or Dad, some of them peered into the audience looking for familiar faces, and one little girl stood still, looking terror-stricken before the tears came.
One of the girls guiding the small group picked up the small very upset dancer standing next to her, while continuing with the moves. She looked offstage for directions, set her down, and completed the routine. Then they moved off stage.
An emotional moment for the small girl in her sparkly costume, and for many watching. What a story this will be in future, for that young dancer, and how she started out.
Such is the stuff of writing. All it takes is a spark to start the imagination wheels turning.
Places where you can get inspiration might include a walk in nature, a festival, a graduation or marking a life achievement. It can also include going to market, a celebration of life, or a line from a story or poem you’re reading.
Anything that involves strong emotion holds potential for a story, poem or screenplay.
The image of that tiny frightened dancer stayed with me long enough to set pen to paper later that afternoon. Another dance that followed tugged at my heartstrings too. The two of them together propelled me to my desk to write that rainy afternoon.
Get out from behind your desk and find events that interest you. Spend time with family members. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll find inspiration for a new story, or a new angle of a piece you’re working on. And if you’re one of those people who has more ideas than they know what to do with, please share what helps you choose.
For next month, please reply to this newsletter and share an experience that led you to write. No need to share the story you’ve written, just the inspiration, no matter how brief. I will share a selection of responses in the July and August newsletters.
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Upcoming events:
Save the date: June 16, 2024
I will be participating in this event, reading a piece of my own at Salon of the Refused, Button Factory Arts, 25 Regina Street S, Waterloo, 2-4 p.m.
Author Afternoons in Waterloo Ontario
Ian Darling and I will present on Writing Nonfiction on June 22nd at the Waterloo Visitor’s Centre 10 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, ON
Authors will be presenting on various topics from June 22 to September 14tth.
To see the poster listing all speakers, please go to my blog storygal.ca. I will share it there.