Part of the thrill of writing is discovering something new, ideas that I have never seen anywhere else. It is exciting to ask the question – “What happens next?” – and waiting to see how the story unfolds before my eyes.
It is also fun to play with how I share stories. I’ve never written a serialized piece before, but what better time to start than now! I’m working on a story titled The Sparrow and the goal is to provide new installments on Saturdays. I won’t know where the story is going until I write the next section and that is both exciting and scary!
There are two things that happened in real life that inspired the first installment of The Sparrow. First, about a week ago, a Sparrow flapped up to my window and latched its little feet on the thin trim. It stared through the glass at me, twisting its head left and right. It flew away shortly, but I instantly knew there was a great story in this small experience.
Second, I love the time right before I fall asleep because really bizarre thoughts and little stories float before my eyes. They are almost like dreams, but I am aware of them as they are happening. I often remember these things the next morning and feel compelled to use them as story catalysts. This is the creative space I wish I could tap into more freely. A few nights ago I had this weird little movie play out in my head where there was a chandelier hanging from the underside of a porch… that’s all I remember. Another random gem to throw into a story and see where it goes!
Two independent events come together to build the opening scene of The Sparrow. Stay tuned for the first installment this Saturday!
Cultivating Sunshine 