By Nancy Roe
I’m a published author. I still giggle when I say it because it
was a dream of mine in sixth grade. After college and working almost thirty
years in the administrative field, my dream became a reality at fifty. Now, I’m
currently writing my third book.
Quite often, my best ideas come when I least expect it—while I’m
walking the dog, getting groceries, in the shower, or lying in bed. How many
times have you thought of a brilliant idea, then told yourself you’ll write it
down later? And how many times have you actually remembered the idea? I admit I
don’t have the greatest memory, that’s why I write down the idea right away.
A pen and paper are two of my favorite things. On occasion, I’ll
use the voice memo feature on my iPhone, but that can be distracting for
others, especially if you’re at the movies. I have pen and paper in my purse,
on my nightstand, and in every room of my house—even in the shower! Aqua Notes
(a waterproof notepad and pencil) allows me to write down thoughts while I’m
washing my hair. Now why couldn’t I have thought of that!
The other day, I spotted a man walking down the sidewalk in a
suit, tie, and sneakers. Several options for a character developed. He was on
his way to his first interview and didn’t own dress shoes. His car broke down
and he put on his gym shoes to walk to the nearest gas station. He got blood on
his dress shoes while dragging a dead body into the river, and traded shoes
with a homeless person. One random glance and I had three story lines.
The next time you’re taking a coffee break, waiting in line to
pick up your child from school, or picking up the dry cleaning, look at your
surroundings and take notes. I keep my random observations and
thoughts—character names, character traits, décor, clothing, hairstyles, speech
phrases, hobbies, fears, occupations—in a pocket folder. When I start staring
at blank computer screen, I’ll grab my folder and browse through the scrapes of
paper.
You never know when or where inspiration will strike, so be
prepared.
________________________________________________________
When Nancy Roe was twelve, she
wrote an autobiography for a sixth grade English assignment. After all these
years, and several moves, she still has the tattered and yellowed manuscript
held together by two pieces of black yarn and three brass fasteners. In the
last chapter, Nancy wrote that she wanted to be an author. Dreams do come true! Nancy
published Organize The Nancy Way…the low-cost,fun, creative way to get your life in shape. Nancy published her first
mystery novel, Secrets Can Be Deadly. The
Nancy Way®. Each article Nancy writes
on her website is based on one of these six words: Organize. Read. Eat. Create. Laugh. Learn. You’ll find articles on
organizing tips, recipes, craft ideas, computer tips, grammar tips, and unusual
holidays. Even her dog, Shadow, writes an article—there has to be humor, and
he’s a funny guy! Nancy is a Midwest farm girl at heart and currently
lives in Tennessee with her husband and four-legged child. Follow
Nancy: …Website: http://www.TheNancyWay.com
…Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheNancyWay
…Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenancyway
…Pinterest:http://pinterest.com/thenancyway
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