One of the questions that gives me pause is “How do you come up with your story ideas?” It gives me pause because this is one of the few things in life I’ve never had trouble with. I can come up with story ideas. I come up with too many ideas, which is one reason my New Mexico Project is muerte. Dead and gone. But don’t you go frettin about Uncle Danno because he’s got a plan. But before we get to the plan, let’s have a chat about story. What story? Any story. And then I’ll fake one for you so you hear about how one story can become multiple stories and how those multiple stories can become a book. I also offer a short glimpse into my childhood. You’re welcome.
Creative: Story
Comments 10
You are amazing! The stream of thought flawlessly flows out of you seemingly effortlessly. I struggled with long term projects. I did a couple for about a year. Most others were two weeks maybe a month. One was a mother and son with Aids. Great project but over time the mother was trying to use me as a political advocate which I felt our relationship got to close so I had to shut it down. Most of my work throughout my career was stand alone. I’m retired now and struggle with not being relevant at all. But for some reason I can’t give photography. Thank you Daniel. I truly enjoy everthing you do.
Author
Relevant is a slippery slope. Make for you. It will make you happy and if the relevancy to others comes at some point, so be it. If not, no worries.
Danielsan, “Sucking on a Marlboro red and throwing M-80’s.” Isn’t that what every child did growing up in America? And for most, it worked out. I see you still have both hands and can take a deep-breath. As for Camaro’s, 1967 to 1969…Meow!
Author
Motorcycle magazines, hiding in the bushes in the field next to grandma’s house. Older bro with the cigs. Heaven.
All my short stories are inspired by reading lots of books, listening to composers (Stephan Moccio & Max Richter), carrying a small pocket notebook (field notes) everywhere and jotting down observations/ ideas, and street photos I take which often inspire story ideas. But books are key.
Author
We are one in the same. Books and the pen are priceless. And entertaining.
Off topic: but oh man I dream of the remote fly fishing streams I could get to with a bike like that. Looks like a lot of fun
Author
Dreaming of fishing is a good sign.
On topic: You mention that people talk about not having any ideas/inspiration for story. I share your sentiment in that I can’t relate to that: so so many ideas bouncing around in my head, so so little time to dive into any of them. I’m wondering if you’ve noticed that age has something to do with it. Do many of the people you meet younger (say, under 30) who say they are without ideas/direction? Is it something you think comes with age/mistakes/”wisdom”?
Author
Great question. Although quite a few younger folks have been stained by too much screen time, I find that people of all ages suffer from the lack of ideas syndrome. However, I see this as related because they too are allowing the Internet and social to live their lives for them.