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Research as Story Engine

Space Shuttle Main Engines
Space Shuttle Main Engines firing at liftoff.

Here’s a little exercise I like for coming up with ideas and stories.

  1. Pick a story from a magazine, website, book, tv show, or whatever that grabs your attention.
  2. Summarize the article (or the part that intrigues you). This helps  focus your thoughts.
  3. Brainstorm answers to these questions (or any others you can think of):
    • What are the implications of the idea?
    • Why did it tickle your imagination?
    • Who would the idea affect?
    • What are the benefits and/or dangers?
    • What scenarios might this lead to?
    • What problems would it cause?
    • Are there solutions?
    • Who would be the least likely hero to deal with this?
  4. Run with the idea.
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New Workshop for Young Writers

Fellow Elevensies Kathy McCullough, Shawn Goodman, and Randy Russell have put together a pretty cool site for young writers called the Young Writers Notebook. They’re still in the beta testing stage–with a planned official launch in September. But, if you’re a teen writer (or know of one) who’d like to help them test what works and what doesn’t, hop on over to the Notebook site.

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Not the cruelest month (I hope)

Marshall Cavendish had it’s launch / marketing meeting for my book earlier this week. And we have a pub date! Or at least a month. MEMENTO NORA will be coming out in April 2011.

While I have your attention, I put this trailer together a few months ago. What do you think?

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