Where Do You Get All Your Ideas? That S Probably the Most Common Question Writers Are

CONCEPT 18 Compelling Ideas Come From…Everywhere Else!

“Where do you get all your ideas?” That’s probably the most common question writers are ever asked by non-writers. Non-writers, you see, assume that ideas are magically beamed into the heads of authors every night via satellite transmissions from Saturn or perhaps emailed on a monthly basis from the Schenectady Inspiration Service. Not so! Just as everyone has the same twenty-four hours in a day, so, too, do aspiring writers and veterans have access to limitless sources of creativity from which to develop exciting new stories. It’s just a matter of keeping your eyes open…and knowing where to look. Does your family subscribe to newspapers and magazines? Their pages are filled with possibilities that prompt speculation of “what if?” or “what happens next?” Do you remember any of the myths and folk legends you heard in grade school? How about some of those fairy tales you were told before bedtime? A timeless message can never be told too many times. Are your grandparents talkative about “the good old days?” Start listening…and start taking notes. Does a certain song or the sight of a particular photo or piece of art conjure emotions you want to share? Maybe your muse is sending you vibes to write it down. Stepped outside lately? Mother Nature is open 24/7 to tweak your imagination. Are you anxious about college? Excited about a first date? Mortified that your mother did her impression of Beyonce in front of your friends? Chances are that your characters could experience the same thing, too. Looking for great ideas? Log into life. No password required.

LOOK & LEARN

In 1977, a fourteen-year-old U.K. student named Gideon Sams had an assignment in school to write a short story. He called it “The Punk” and threw it away soon after he got his grade back. His mother, however, retrieved it, thought it had merit, and got it into print. Fifteen years later, singer/director Mike Sarne saw its promise as a film. While The Punk may not have been a hit by any measure, its Romeo and Juliet theme just goes to show that even occasional homework assignments have the potential to yield a modest plot. (Which, of course, you can now use as your excuse for never throwing anything out.)

BRAINSTORMERS

Answer ONE of the questions below in complete sentences. 1. Many of William Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted to movies. Choose an adapted play and explain how the director adapted or changed that film to make it work for present day. (Examples: Romeo & Juliet  West Side Story; Taming of the Shrew  10 Things I Hate About You) 2. Choose a book that has been adapted into a film. Explain what differences you noticed that you enjoyed. Explain which differences you noticed that you disliked.

Screenwriting for Teens, (Hamlett) pp. 35-36