What a Novel Idea!

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the February 2019 online meeting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh and comprised of writing members just like you (and me), featuring writing tips, resources, articles, contests, and IWSG swag! See what we’re all talking about here and join us as we share our writing journeys.

*We meet on the first Wednesday of every month – join us and enjoy!

Visit our gracious Co-hosts, and let them know you’re here:  Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!

As for me,

Though our “cold snap” was nowhere near the Polar Vortex experienced in other areas of our nation, I managed to learn something new! Did you know that if you cut a potato in half and rub it over your windshield the night of an expected deep-freeze, you won’t have to scrape ice off the window in the morning? If this is eye-roll worthy, consider this: in my part of the world, we’re glad for winter months when snakes and such go away for a while. Which reminds me, another new idea I plan to try this year is the placement of a fake snake in the garden – or even on my windshield at night, to deter birds and small critters from eating fruit, and/or setting up house in the engine compartment of my car. In case you’re wondering where I learned these novel ideas, here’s a hint and a Philosofact from Farmer’s Almanac: “Nature is amazing: Who would have thought of growing a flyswatter on the rear end of a cow?”

Speaking of Novel Ideas, what is or was the most surprising inspiration for one of yours?

As if “The Year Without a Summer” (1816) wouldn’t be enough to inspire a story, Mary Shelley of “Frankenstein” fame happened to be among guests at Lord Byron’s when he proposed a ghost story challenge to pass the time.

Lee Child came up with a name for the protagonist in his incredibly successful crime thriller series while shopping with his wife. After he’d plucked a can of fruit from a high shelf, she proclaimed him a good “Reacher” and sparked the idea for the name Jack Reacher.

When George Orwell idly pondered the possible consequences of animals realizing their own strength, “Animal Farm” was born.

As in all too many towns, we have our share of homeless people; those public park dwellers, and street-corner beggars who wouldn’t take a job if one was offered. When one such (healthy-looking) person pressed a cardboard sign that read: “Hungry” against my window as I waited for the light to change, I shrugged and mouthed “Me too.” The man could work for his living, just as I do, I groused.  It actually bugged me long enough to wonder what could happen if they all had jobs they didn’t know about. And suddenly, I had an exciting new twist for a story I was losing interest in. 

   

The (optional) Question of the Month is: “Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have?” 

When required, one of my job duties is to decorate (within budget, of course) after home renovations have been completed. Achieving “RFM (ready for market)” status is just as satisfying now as it was when I played with dollhouses as a kid. 

So, what’s your most novel idea? Given a choice of music or nature, what would inspire you more? Are you going to miss those chalky little candy hearts?