Writer Tip #3

Don't let anyone else's opinion of what makes a good story 'good' or 'bad' cause you to think what you love is no longer relevant. 

A few years ago I had lunch with an old co-worker who shared with me her amazing idea for a scifi /fantasy story. I'm mean it was amazing. 

I ran into her today and asked how the book was coming along and she said, "Oh no one was really into it. I didn't wanti waste my time on an idea that no one liked." 

"What?!?" I said, "I liked it, but more than that YOU loved it! Who cares what the small minds in your circle perceive as 'good' or not. They are idiots. You liked it and that is all that mattered. I'm sorry that you wasted all you time listening to them instead of having a manuscript or book right now to brag about." 

Write, because you are a writer. People will love some things and hate some things, let it all slide off your back. As a writer you must write what you are compelled to. 

Today's "not-so-great" story idea can be next years best selling novel. Let no one take your storyies from you. 

Keep writing my friends! 

Cheers to you!

-SamTheWriter

Writer's Tip #1: Ideas in Local Places

(Me: 690 Feet Underground/ Hutchinson KS / Buying Coffee) 

From where does your inspiration come?

I write a ton. Every single day I'm writing. Whether it's for one of my 4 blogs (two syndicated), submitting short fiction, poetry, or non-fiction articles for various hobbies and issues, working on my current trilogy, writing a restaurant for the city  newspaper, or interviewing filmmakers for Filmmaker In The Cloud--I'm always collecting short ideas.

That's what gave me the idea for this first writing tip.

TIP #1: Take Advantage of Local Entertainment
I was asked to come up with a unique Zombie short for a UK magazine, by an editor friend. I wasn't really in the 'Zombie' frame of mind and all my ideas had been done -- way too many times.

While writing another story for a Midwest magazine about the Hutchinson Salt Mines (Arcadia) the thought came to me: 'What would it be like to get stuck down here -- 670 feet -- underground during the apocalypse?'

I decided to call the mine's customer service line and share my story idea. A few days later I got a call back from a manager who loved the idea and gave me a free tour of the place. It was way better than I had first thought. Great ideas flooded my dreams, which resulted in a great short, and has led to the beginning of a novel WIP.

Don't ever discount your city's little hidden treasures. They just may end up being your next (several) paychecks.

Cheers!
SamTheWriter

Check out my Writer's site:
www.SamTheWriter.com
Twitter: @SamuelwConnelly