Write It Down!

It's happened to all of us, though it may hit us in different ways. For some it could be like a light bulb going on, for others it could be like a bolt of lightning, for me it's like getting punched in the face. Not very eloquent I know, but true. I'm talking about when, completely out of the blue, you have a story in your head. Or more precisely, the root of a story; it's concept or perhaps a vague outline.

The problem is my brain isn't a computer and these epiphanies are ephemeral. They take root for a very short time then disappear forever unless you write it down. Grab a notepad, steal one if you don't carry one around with you (kidding) and jot down the basics if that's all you have time for, but make sure it gets recorded.

If I have time I try to turn this initial burst into part of the writing process. I park myself in front of the computer and start to write. Brainstorm the idea onto the screen, letting it take me where it wants. Then when I'm done with that I read it, picking out bits and pieces that show promise and then write it again. This time deliberately though, picturing the story in my head, assessing what would fit with where I wanted it to go.

That's just what I do though. Anything will work at times like this as long as you be sure to write it down.