Chills.

In class we touched upon--merely touched upon--the ability of an image to inspire an entire world of possibilities for story and character. Hopefully you found that fun.

Today I was googling for something else and stumbled across this image.

I saved him, because seriously, how creepy is that? Of course I know who it is and where it came from, but that doesn't mean he can't show up in my own fiction in an entirely different way.

What about you? Can a person's picture inspire a thousand words? A world? A universe?

That Kiss

Another thing we touched on in class.  Three-act structure. Even in commercials.

This one prompted this response from Laura Anne Gilman on twitter:

@LAGilman: As an Audi driver, I hope the girl was the one who socked that kid for grabbing-without-asking. #commercials

Grabbing without asking. I think I know where they got that inspiration from, and there is still discussion over whether this was an inappropriate reaction or not. I loved it. I also understand that it could be seen as demeaning, that an Academy Award-winning actress, Halle Berry, is reduced to "the prize" that is available for manhandling. Although she was pro enough to go along with it.

On the other hand, it was a beautiful acceptance speech.

So. What do you think?  Inappropriate, inexcusable, or part of the game of show biz?

And which commercials did you find that had a three-act structure?

"Type so hard you bruise the screen."

From the Austin Chronicle -- 30 New Essential Thoughts for Writers.

I am going to stress these three. You should go read the rest.

8. Writing takes time. Don’t find the time to write. Make the time. If necessary, abandon sleep, people, television and drink.
9. Treat writing like a hobby and you will receive nothing but the fruits of a hobby. It’s a vocation. Honor it as such.
10. Don’t say you’re trying to be a writer. If you’re writing then you are a writer. Publication is nice, but has nothing to do with the definition. 

Go write like it's your gift, because it is.

Beautiful essay, interesting assignment, timely reminder.

So I have been busy and haven't been sharing writerly content with you lately.

Sorry.

First, I'll let you know, I have another book that will be available next Tuesday in digital for the first time. This excites me. I am having a contest. If you don't already know about it, check it out.

But about YOUR writing...

How about this? I'm going to link to an essay at Powells which will do three things:

One, it will introduce you to one of the best bookstores on the planet, an independent bookstore that still exists in a world of Amazon and BN, a place that is worth your business. Check it out.

Two, it will share an idea that I've never articulated but have certainly lived--that sometimes my writing is fueled by somebody else's writing, but not in obvious ways. The inspiration, the brilliance of the words and/or consuming magic of the world ignites my own passion to write.

"I want you to find a book that has a kindred feel," I told them, "that has a voice welcoming what you are trying to write, an approach to a difficult subject that can be your teacher and your friend. Find a book that helps you identify what is important, what is at stake in the story that calls to you. No book can tell you exactly how to do it. But maybe there is a book that can assure you it can be done."

I know I told you in class that you can find books that help you get to the right mood and write emotional place to write, but this is even different from that. When it happens to me, it can be a book that is nothing like what I'm writing, in mood or place or context, but it is so beautiful it makes me want to write more, better, harder.

Three, it will introduce you to a writer who might be new to you.

These are all good things. We are entering a busy time of year. Make time to read. Make time to write. Make time to dream.

Words matter.

Use them well.