If you've ever wondered the backstory of the people you see outside your writing cave, you're not alone. If you've made up a history and written it down, you're definitely a writer. In her usual warm and friendly style, guest Marianne Evans shares the key question for sparking inspiration. Enjoy! ~ Annette
Asking Yourself —“What if?”
by Marianne Evans
I believe one of the most frequent questions an author is asked is the following: Where do you come up with your ideas? How does the story come to life?
Almost invariably, I answer by saying: I ask myself the question ‘What if?’
Here’s an example. I was on vacation on Mackinac Island, in the midst of a plotting dry spell that had me frustrated and sad—feeling like inspiration had vanished. While biking the trails of this gorgeous, north Michigan locale, my husband and I came upon a beautiful, lakeside gazebo where a wedding was taking place.
The bride and groom stood facing one another beneath a cloudless sky, with boats drifting past, waves lapping the shore not far away…and a soft gust of wind lifted the bride’s veil, and pulled it free of her hair. The bride shook her hair free, and the groom reached up and stroked her cheek; the moment was a tender, loving exchange as one of the bride’s attendants, fortunately, reached up to catch the veil…
I began to wonder. What led that couple to this moment in time? Where did they come from? How did their story begin? Along came my "What if" moment. What if this extravagant moment began with the humble beginnings of a "down-and-out" woman, trying to care for her daughter, and her boss, a benefactor not too unlike the story of Ruth and Boaz….?
I had always longed to create a Christian inspirational series, but became stymied in the face of what the series should be about. Until, at church one Sunday, I asked myself, again, "What if?" As I watched people come forward for communion, I began to envision parishioners at a fictional congregation. What were their struggles, their victories—what love story framed their lives, and faith walks?
Now I’m at work on a new series, Sal’s Place, triggered by, yes the ‘What if’ of wondering what would happen if I mixed a historical, fabulous diner in downtown Detroit with the lives and loves of the people who cross its threshold.
What if. The next time you’re stumped when it comes to plotlines, take a look at the world around you through that camera lens, and you just might take yourself by surprise. It’s amazing, and unexpected, what trips the wires of the imagination…and the inspirations of a writer.
~~~~
From This Day ForwardChristian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.
Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover
COUPON CODE: FALLPREVIEW 2012
~~~~
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories she creates. Her acclaimed novella, Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the four-book Woodland Series. Next, Evans tackles the topic of a loving marriage in turmoil in her Christian fiction debut, Devotion coming in November, 2012 from Harbourlight Books. Also in 2012, Evans kicks off her second Christian romance series with White Rose Publishing. Search & Rescue will be book one of the Sales Place series, which revolves around the folks who frequent a cozy and historic riverfront diner in downtown Detroit. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is very active in a number of RWA chapters as well as ACFW and the Michigan Literary Network.
Connect with Marianne at:
www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
Facebook Reader Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
Twitter Handle: @marmo212
