Looking for Chameleons by Delia Latham

Delia Latham

They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures. They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light.
Job 28:10-11

"Where do you get your ideas?"

A valid inquiry, but every writer needs to understand from the get-go that there is no pat answer. Cold, hard fact: Neither babies nor ideas are delivered by a stork with a basket in his beak.

• They aren’t for sale on department store shelves.
• No recipe exists for mixing one together, complete with baking instructions.
• They can’t be shot down, beheaded and hung over your doorway as a trophy.

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / shiffti

But they’re out there, hiding in plain sight. Think of them as chameleons. 

Want to play a little hide-and-seek? Chameleons blend into their surroundings.  A sharp eye and intentional observation is required to spot them. Honing those spotting skills should be a deliberate daily effort for any writer.

Truth into Fiction

Rewrite the news. What kind of storyline can you manufacture from the most bizarre headline in each edition of your local paper? Television news also offers rich fodder for the imagination of a writer who’s looking for a chameleon.

Beyond the Obvious. Deep depths of possibility lie behind every face and every interaction you witness. How did the homeless man you see on the street every day come to be in that position? Why did the visitor who sat across the aisle from you in church look so sad and hopeless? What happened to the scarred teenager who serves your morning cuppa at the corner coffee shop? Think! Ask yourself questions. Find the possibilities just beyond your line of sight.

Spotting ideas in everyday circumstances is like a mental muscle…it withers away from lack of use. How do we tone muscles? Through exercise, of course. Strengthen, tighten and tone your observation and idea-spotting skills by working them...every day.

Take the exercises below and run with them, but don't stop there—come up with some of your own.

• Find a good website or buy a book that provides daily writing prompts. But don't just read the prompts—carry them out! You aren't practicing until you're doing something. You’ll find an enormous amount of help and information here: http://www.creative-writing-now.com/
• Take a walk, go shopping (people watching), volunteer somewhere (exposure to a world of experiences), etc. Ideas are hiding in life, and you must live if wish to see them.
• Flip through the pages of a magazine or browse photos on a stock photo website. Choose three photos that grab your attention for whatever reason. Create a storyline around those photos.
• Free write. Set your timer for 15-30 minutes, then start writing. Don’t plan. Don’t worry about whether it makes sense, or if one sentence relates to the next. Just write whatever comes to mind. You’ll be surprised what nuggets you can glean from these sessions.
• Perhaps most importantly...pull out the old enthusiasm and fervor that you wore like a cloak when you first started writing. It still fits.

Ready? Set? GO—play a game of hide-and-seek with the chameleons.

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Love in the WINGS

Church secretary and praise team leader, Aria Robbins isn't happy when she  has to work with the new youth minister. She also has to grin and bear it when he moves into the cottage next to hers at Heart's Haven...but she doesn't have to like him. Truth is, she'd be much happier if Corbin Bishop would take his charm and his big, fancy ideas right back to Austin where he belongs.

When a spiritual attack on Angel Falls lands Aria and Corbin on the battlefront as part of a team of prayer Warriors in God's Service (WINGS), they must fight for their town, their church, and their pastor, and Aria sees Corbin in a whole new light.

But emotional scars from an unspeakable childhood have distorted Corbin's acceptance of certain Scriptural truths, and Aria won't trust her heart in the hands of a man whose faith is unsure. Aria wraps her prayer wings around him tightly. Will Corbin finally trust God to heal his soul?

DELIA LATHAM is a born-and-bred California gal, raised in a place called Weedpatch and currently living in the lovely mountain town of Tehachapi with her husband and a spoiled Pomeranian. She enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. She has a "thing" for Dr. Pepper, and loves to hear from her readers. Contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia@delialatham.net. Find her also at the following online locations:

Living the Write Life (blog)

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon Author Page

Step Away from Your Desk! by Delia Latham

Sometimes, we writers can get consumed with the characters in the fantasy worlds we create. Other activities can begin to feel like distractions and deterrents to getting our “work” done. But author Delia Latham encourages us to step away from our desks, explains why it may just be the best thing for us, and provides tips on how to accomplish it! ~ Dawn

 

Step Away from Your Desk!

by Delia Latham

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV):  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Writing is a solitary occupation. It makes hermits of us, unless we take deliberate steps to prevent that outcome.

Of course, if hermitry is the life one prefers, then so be it.

Most of us, however, need interaction with other human beings—something beyond social networking sites and e-mail activity. That blending of minds and personalities breathes life into us, provides fodder for our imaginations (always a good thing for a writer!), and keeps us from becoming stale, uninteresting, unhealthy…and unproductive.

We cloister ourselves inside our offices, fingers to keyboard, rear to chair—exactly as we've been taught. We insist that it's necessary to shut out the real world in order to create fictitious ones. But in reality, a lack of contact with people and real-life situations shows up in our writing as dull, cardboard characters and lifeless storylines that will never see print.

It is possible to find that human connection without allowing our writing time to suffer. And even if it does—if we're writing three hours each day instead of four—isn't it worth it if the words we write sparkle with life and energy?

Step away from your desk and breathe new life into your writing! Here's how:

One day a week, write somewhere besides your office.

Coffee shops (or even a local McDonald's) provide a great opportunity to observe others, hear real conversation, and absorb the energy of human contact. Take your laptop along. You can write…or just make character notes. Listen in on a conversation or two. Observe the various expressions and body language of the customers. (Note: DO buy a cup of coffee, maybe even a pastry. You'll find yourself far more welcome next time you go.)

Go to the park and get some fresh air. No Wi-Fi, but admit it…you'll do more writing when you don't have access to the internet.

Writing in your local library provides a chance to get acquainted with the librarians, which might lead to a reading and/or book signing. Donate a book—they'll love you for it. 

Join a local writers group.

Check the internet or your local phone directory. Inquire at ACFW or RWA. Most of the time, you'll find a group within easy driving distance.

Can't find a group? Start one! A little ad in the newspaper or your church bulletin is sure to render some response. Even 3-5 writers who want to get together and brainstorm is a start. The more diverse your members as far as writing experience, the better. New writers are excited and eager, and that enthusiasm will make itself felt in the group. Experienced authors can be of benefit to each other and help the newbies develop their craft. 

Attend church functions.

Not just services, although those are important. Go to potlucks—they don't happen often, and they provide much-needed fellowship and activity. Join the ladies' group or the praise team. Do something that forces you away from your desk and into life.

Find a place to volunteer. 

Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help someone else. Be a blessing…and it will come back to you, "pressed down, shaken together, and running over." (Luke 6:38)

I'm sure there are plenty of other routes to take. Let's talk about them. What keeps you from becoming a "hermit writer"?

Born and raised in Weedpatch, California, Delia Latham moved to Oklahoma in '08, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. She's a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. She loves Dr. Pepper and hearing from her readers. Contact her through her website or e-mail.

Delia writes inspirational romance and women's fiction, and is currently contracted through White Rose Publishing and Vinspire Publishing.

Other places to find Delia Latham:

Living the Write Life (blog)

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon