Plenty of ideas floating around in the air, how in the world are we expected to reach up and grab any? It’s not really that difficult. But, you have to be focused. You have to be in tune. But, be in tune with what?
There is a conscience that seems to subtly drift from thought to thought until finally we are faced with an issue. Tap into what people are discussing. When they mention their concerns, offer your opinion or expertise. Write a blog, article, a screenplay or even a book to put your thoughts into the mix. It’s fun and it’s community.
I often get my thoughts from some of the most adverse places. I could watch an episode of The People’s Court and get an idea about a screenplay. Possibly, the idea fits other ideas I’ve had and I’m ready to put them together. For me, at times it’s that easy.
In fact, I’ll give you an example. Looking back at The People’s Court, that guy that stands outside the courtroom — I’m only kidding — Curt Chaplin always seems to want to stir things up even when the plaintiff and the defendant are fine with the outcome. His remarks seem to intend to incite people to voice their opinion when they were trying to be nice about everything.
“So, what do you think about your mother taking you to court over rent?”
“Ah, it’s my mother. I love her. I’m happy with the outcome.”
“But, she’s your mother and she wanted you to pay her rent. What do you think about that?”
“It’s ok. It’s not a problem. Not for me anyway.”
“So, what do you think about your son refusing to pay rent?”
“He’s my son and I love him. I always will.”
“But, he was mooching off of you. He’s twenty eight. He should be out on his own, don’t you think?”
“Any time my son needs me, I’ll help him. That’s the way I am.”
So while I’m thinking about Curt Chaplin in the hallway trying to get people to put on the boxing gloves, I watch an episode of Monk where Monk beats up Santa Claus and the media has a heyday with it. It turns out that this particular Santa Claus is trying to rob a museum of a thirty million dollar jewel they have in custody. So, the Monk is right while the media is making him out to look like the bad guy. They just want their story.
So, the theme that is running through my mind from both of these shows is that sometimes….SOMETIMES…journalists are more interested in creating a story than just telling the one that actually exists. It’s a story that has been told before. But now, I have my own angle on it. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with that yet. But, that’s what I’m talking about.
Stay focused and let your brain grasp the thoughts. You’ll never run out of things to write. And keep in mind that writing is supposed to be fun. So, have it!