I know that ideas are cheap, but no completed project happens without an idea that started it.
One of my pet peeves is the idea that for a story to have value, it must be filled with angst and tragedy. I call it the "life is a sad enigma" genre. So I sort of decided a few months ago to keep in mind a short story collection based on the opposite of the Seven Deadly Sins, that is, the Seven Virtues.
Although I've found a couple of lists, I think I like this one best: four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, restraint or temperance, and courage or fortitude, and three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.
Then I would write a short story on each of those themes. I already have one done for hope. It was written for another contest but didn't win. I think that might be because is it a rather straightforward interpretation of the idea. There aren't any fancy twists. It's very, well.... hopeful.
So, the other night, I couldn't sleep. It made me groggy all the next day. In one way, I should be thankful for those nights because I often think up story ideas as I toss and turn. And, that is just what happened. I came up with what I think is a viable idea on the theme of justice.
Yes, I made notes so I won't forget until I get time to actually work on it.
2 comments:
I know what you mean... when I can't sleep, it seems that's when story ideas come to me. But then, I don't want to get up for pad and paper nor turn a light on and wake hubby!
reena- I have a rule that if I lie awake a full hour I have to get up and do something. But I broke it the other night... just lay there and tossed and turned and conjured up a plot!
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