Weathering the Storm

August 30, 2015

It is common to be asked where I get my ideas for stories or scenes from. An oft repeated adage is write what you know. As an example, I'd have to use the last thirty hours without power as the windstorm swept throu

gh the lower mainland.

Sitting in my backyard watching our 50' cedar trees' numerous wide branches swaying like banshees. Hearing the crack cracking of a branch and not knowing where it came from. Making a run for the house because it was too nerve wracking to observe the wind's power as it howled through the trees. It's not common to hear the wind howling in the city. Those are definitely a scene in some future story that I might write in the future.

Then there are the hours that go by without electricity. My husband said, "It's like camping," as we boiled our water on the gas barbecue. Or the lighting of candles and turning on those supposed emergency lights that give out after twenty minutes. Delicacies such as hotdogs, Ramen noodles, potato chips, and of course coffee and tea to round out our meals. All fodder for future stories.

Let's not forget the night time when strange things happen without electricity. Firecrackers, alarms, sirens, yelling, and dogs barking.

And all of that without leaving my home. Story ideas and scenes are everywhere. We just need to recognize them when they occur.