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August 13, 2014

Inspiration Happens Without Warning


By Nancy Roe


I’m a published author. I still giggle when I say it because it was a dream of mine in sixth grade. After college and working almost thirty years in the administrative field, my dream became a reality at fifty. Now, I’m currently writing my third book.

Quite often, my best ideas come when I least expect it—while I’m walking the dog, getting groceries, in the shower, or lying in bed. How many times have you thought of a brilliant idea, then told yourself you’ll write it down later? And how many times have you actually remembered the idea? I admit I don’t have the greatest memory, that’s why I write down the idea right away.

A pen and paper are two of my favorite things. On occasion, I’ll use the voice memo feature on my iPhone, but that can be distracting for others, especially if you’re at the movies. I have pen and paper in my purse, on my nightstand, and in every room of my house—even in the shower! Aqua Notes (a waterproof notepad and pencil) allows me to write down thoughts while I’m washing my hair. Now why couldn’t I have thought of that!

The other day, I spotted a man walking down the sidewalk in a suit, tie, and sneakers. Several options for a character developed. He was on his way to his first interview and didn’t own dress shoes. His car broke down and he put on his gym shoes to walk to the nearest gas station. He got blood on his dress shoes while dragging a dead body into the river, and traded shoes with a homeless person. One random glance and I had three story lines.

The next time you’re taking a coffee break, waiting in line to pick up your child from school, or picking up the dry cleaning, look at your surroundings and take notes. I keep my random observations and thoughts—character names, character traits, décor, clothing, hairstyles, speech phrases, hobbies, fears, occupations—in a pocket folder. When I start staring at blank computer screen, I’ll grab my folder and browse through the scrapes of paper.

You never know when or where inspiration will strike, so be prepared.
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When Nancy Roe was twelve, she wrote an autobiography for a sixth grade English assignment. After all these years, and several moves, she still has the tattered and yellowed manuscript held together by two pieces of black yarn and three brass fasteners. In the last chapter, Nancy wrote that she wanted to be an author. Dreams do come true! Nancy published Organize The Nancy Way…the low-cost,fun, creative way to get your life in shape. Nancy published her first mystery novel, Secrets Can Be Deadly. The Nancy Way®.  Each article Nancy writes on her website is based on one of these six words: Organize. Read. Eat. Create. Laugh. Learn. You’ll find articles on organizing tips, recipes, craft ideas, computer tips, grammar tips, and unusual holidays. Even her dog, Shadow, writes an article—there has to be humor, and he’s a funny guy! Nancy is a Midwest farm girl at heart and currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and four-legged child. Follow Nancy: …Website: http://www.TheNancyWay.com
   …Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenancyway 





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