How We Develop Our Writing Ideas

So, to develop an idea it’s become rather easy for us (I know, I know, don’t throw things at the screen if you’re in a stuck place). We’ve developed the mythology behind our heroic Eggs of Eggland and continue to add to that in discussions and individually (after which we review and determine what to keep and what to tweak). With that as our background we discuss and figure out what the current book is about in the broadest sense.

We sat down to brainstorm for the second part of the Eruption adventure, Saving Dot, yesterday (release is set for June). We were kind of stuck, unable to come up with the overall thrust of the story so we decided to work out the first scene.  We chatted. Sometimes the world intruded and the conversation got off track talking about the upcoming election, etc. but once those thoughts were cleared, we focused on the problem at hand. What to do about our heroic Egg Sala and of course the one we were saving, our person, Dot. 

 

We knew how we wanted the first scene to go since it’s the second part of a two-part adventure so we began writing the scene, coming up with add-ons we sparked one from the other. That led to the second scene which we were able to block out quickly. We don’t have the rest of the story yet and it’s possible the first scene could be thrown out later, but as a starting point, it got us moving. It’s downright exciting to leap-frog one idea from another. To toss the not so good aside and, through discussion, give and take, notes scribbled and crossed out, come up with twists and turns that are fresh and at times pop in like bursting bubbles of enthusiasm. The rest of the story will come now, or it will twist back in a whole, different direction. The first two scenes are ‘stewing’ between us and when we get together on Thursday there’s no doubt we’ll each have new and expanding ideas on where this next story is going. We have the start. We have some elements. Knitting it together with forthright discussion can be bumpy, but it’s guaranteed.

What I’ve written above may not be too clear to other writers, but that, in essence is how we develop writing ideas. Hopefully it will spark something in other writers writing in teams or on their own.

Oh, and we have, in addition, established a routine. With communications so easy via Email and the net, we work together twice a week and do a lot of detail work separately, creating the illustrations for characters, researching backgrounds, uncovering new ways to get our books out there to the public eye. Getting it out there is a whole ‘nuther subject for another day. But, in the meantime if you’ve read this far and like the Planet Of The Eggs concept, check out our Facebook Page and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter --- oh, and tell your friends too! We love it when you share.

 

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The Twisting Path

For myself, as a writer, I’ve never really known what direction my career might take. I loved writing novels and I enjoyed creating scripts from the movies in my head.

Yes, I’ve written and published novels; sixteen of them at last count, mostly traditionally published with houses such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Five Star and others, but additionally as an Indie writer.

I’ve also written and optioned a number of screenplays, written blogs (this one included along with being a regular Contributing Editor at TVwriter.net). Be sure to visit. I talk about writing and will be doing a longer, 'how this all started' article there.

But this latest incarnation/twist in my writer’s journey I didn’t see coming. Or, at least it came low on my list. 

Technology certainly has had an impact on what I decided to do. I’ve always thought in pictures. Created my novels from the movie in my head and the same for the screen scripts, but this is a whole new ball game.

NIGHTFIST

Recently I released, with a writing and illustrating partner, Charlene Brash-Sorensen, a new comic series, Planet Of The Eggs. First issue, volume one; Cracked Open.

It’s a true labor of love with a learning curve about as steep as can be imagined. I would have said as steep as Everest or maybe the Empire State building, but I think leaving it to your imagination is probably better.

And yes, technology is a big player. I have ideas, lots of them, and I write, lots of stuff, but putting together a comic series? It seemed impossible only a short time ago unless I wanted to approach a comic house and try to sell my ideas. Since this is a blast and not to be trampled (as can many times happen in a development cycle) in my humble opinion, I wanted to do it Indie. 

SKINK

Then I discovered the software. Yep, lots of software. I’m learning a lot about Photoshop, the ins and outs of Power Point and a comic creator software that is great. Learning, learning, learning. That’s Where I’m at. Still learning, but it’s coming together nicely (again in my own humble opinion) and we were very excited to launch Volume 1, Issue 1 just this past week.

It truly is amazing how technology is leaping forward. Yeah, I know, I kind of give away my age saying that, but it’s the truth. From an era to typewriters to this ever-changing, opportunity-generating time, it is, simply amazing. One whole heckuva lot of fun too!

So, now that I’ve shifted gears into this arena will I still be writing books such as Science Fiction, Romance, Horror or Western?  You bet I will! Screen scripts? Yep! I’ve been accused of being too scattered, but I’m having such a good time I really don’t care. For me it’s always been explore, have fun, and see where it takes you.

Grab a copy of the first adventure in Planet Of The Eggs and be sure to watch for the next installment! And don't forget to stop by and like our Planet Of The Eggs Facebook page. We're going to have discussions, giveaways, and more there.