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	Where Do Ideas Come From?
	by Susan Molthop

Revised August 3, 2007

Here's where I get mine-in no particular order:

First, I've trained myself to be ready for an idea, in case one drops in my lap. Example: I bought a digital camera, just for the fun of it. I also had a contract with Economics Press, to write computer articles for their "Women as Managers" newsletter. While experimenting with my new toy, I decided to write about it and get paid for it--so I did and I did.

When I go out looking for ideas, I don't find many. BUT, when I look at life a little differently, that changes. If I ask myself "How could I write about this?" every time I meet someone, go someplace, or do something, I wind up with all sorts of ideas for articles, characters, or plots.

When something tickles my creative fancy, I WRITE IT DOWN. I have a whole file of bits and pieces of ideas. Every time I go through it, I come up with a few more.

I never walk by a newsstand without taking a close look. I was amazed at how many publications are looking for articles. When I see a new magazine, it sometimes triggers an idea for an article that would be just right for them.

Everyone I meet knows I'm a writer. People are always coming to me with ideas for books and articles. This is free market research, folks. They tell me what they want to read about.

The news is loaded with plot ideas. My clipping service sent me a piece about a reporter who wrote an article that landed her a book contract. She declined because she considered it to be conflict of interest (yay - she has principles). Then she caved in (boo - she's weak). Then it came out that it was her research that led to a major breakthrough in this area (yay - she's a hero). Finally, it turned out that her research was shoddy and self-serving (boo - she's a villain). She may be back to hero status, now, but WHAT A GREAT NOVEL THIS WOULD MAKE! A good author could turn readers inside out with variations on this formula.

I cultivate publications in my interest areas. When I know I have a ready market, it helps me stay focused on getting and processing ideas.

Finally, when I need an idea, FAST, I go to bed thirty minutes early, with a notebook and pen, and set the alarm for thirty minutes earlier than I have to get up the next morning. I brainstorm until I fall asleep, writing down what I can. My subconscious continues to work while I sleep. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I continue the process until I fall asleep, again. When the alarm goes off, I have another thirty minutes to write down whatever came through from La-La land. THIS PROCESS HAS NEVER FAILED TO PRODUCE SOMETHING WORTHWHILE, though it's not always what I expected.

What works for me may not do you any good at all. On the other hand, what works for you may help someone.

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