Kelly S. Epperson
Hmmm...
The first thing I have to do is get away from all the noise, by which I mean the stress of everyday life. I do that by listening to music, going for a run, the beach, hiking a trail, visiting a zoo or the local aquarium, or just playing with my kids.
I do those things with my family (my awesome wife and four crazy kids). For my children's books, I focus on what my kids enjoy and write stories that will entertain them while also giving them something to think about.
Once I have a general idea, I write down a short outline (very bare bones) and then get to work. During the writing and researching, I'll stumble on other ideas and work those in where I can.
Basically, I'm always inspired with different story ideas (I daydream all the time), but the real trick is sitting down and doing the work! Good thing my time as a US Marine has provided me with the opportunity to learn how to keep going even when things were... shall we say... uninspiring!
So what are you waiting for? Get started writing that terrible first draft! They are always terrible. You can't shape the clay until you place it on the wheel!
The first thing I have to do is get away from all the noise, by which I mean the stress of everyday life. I do that by listening to music, going for a run, the beach, hiking a trail, visiting a zoo or the local aquarium, or just playing with my kids.
I do those things with my family (my awesome wife and four crazy kids). For my children's books, I focus on what my kids enjoy and write stories that will entertain them while also giving them something to think about.
Once I have a general idea, I write down a short outline (very bare bones) and then get to work. During the writing and researching, I'll stumble on other ideas and work those in where I can.
Basically, I'm always inspired with different story ideas (I daydream all the time), but the real trick is sitting down and doing the work! Good thing my time as a US Marine has provided me with the opportunity to learn how to keep going even when things were... shall we say... uninspiring!
So what are you waiting for? Get started writing that terrible first draft! They are always terrible. You can't shape the clay until you place it on the wheel!
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