Spark of Inspiration

How do we get our writing ideas? We just need to look around us. Sometimes we bump into something that speaks to us.

Like this photo of the sidewalk. Most people would have seen the discoloration in the sidewalk and kept walking.

I saw the discolorations and stopped. I found them so funny. I saw giant feet going in odd directions and then a bird. There has to be a story here.

I don’t have grandchildren yet, but for sure, I would print out a copy of this photo for each one. I would put all of my markers, colored pencils, etc. on the table and give them the assignment of creating a story from this photo. I have a huge white board, they could use that too. Make it even MORE FUN.

SPECIAL NOTE: One medical device company I worked for had huge white boards in every room. We used the white boards in all of our meetings. They were critical when we did root cause analysis for a motor failure, for example. I loved this way of working. I’m a visual person. Everyone giving an opinion. We could quickly comment, erase, drill down further. Excellent team work. If we filled up the board, we took a photo, erased, then kept going. Someone would write up the notes.

Back to the grandchildren, they could use written words and/or create illustrations or a comic strip for their story. Whatever inspires them.

I KNOW at first, they would complain. However, the end result would be creative stories for sure.

If we offer the right environment and guidance, we can teach kids to be creative. Get them away from their electronics for a “little while.” Also, as mentioned, indirectly, they learn good business skills too!