You see things and say “Why?”; but I dream things that never were and I say “Why not?” – George Bernard Shaw*
That is how I write. Or at least how I used to write. So many of my stories came from dreams (stories that I haven’t published yet) and a few that I have. I used to have the most intricate dreams and they varied so wildly. Sometimes I was young, sometimes old, sometimes I was female, sometimes male, sometimes a hero, sometimes a villain, sometimes in need, other times a provider.
The point is that when I woke up I wrote them down (at least the jest of them because sometimes that’s all that is needed to bring back the memory), and then, when I had time, I asked myself “Why not?” or “What next?” and then I embellish upon them.
I encourage children (and you) to do the same. Sometimes the neatest story ideas can come from dreams (even day dreams) and you have them for a reason. Not necessarily to work through the days events and organize them in your mind – but maybe you have them to let go, get creative and explore your imagination in a way that real life just can’t do.
I always say when you write you can BE anyone you want, DO anything you want and GO anywhere you want.
Experience life through a writers eyes and say “Why not?”
It may be the most fun you will have all day!
*George was an Irish playwright and a co-founder of the London School of Economics. He wrote many highly articulate pieces of journalism, his main talent was for drama, and he wrote more than 60 plays. He was also an essayist, novelist and short story writer.
I hope my wikipedia page one day says something like that.
good artical for me. thank you.