A DAILY DOSE OF INSPIRATION Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Inspiration - where does it come from and how do you get it when you want it? This age-old question highlights a problem that plagues those whose life work revolved around ideas, and new concepts, themes, or subject matter. Take writing for example, if you don’t have ideas, then what do you write about? Of course, life happenings, news articles, and world events supply subjects for a lot that is written. If, however, you do not deal with “news” per se, then where do you stand? Well, ideas are there, all around you, and in everything you do. For example, your family, people you know, or mere brief encounters are food for thought and can produce a myriad of ideas and suggestions for topics. Talking to people, reading a magazine, or a newspaper will light up a little bulb that may produce a time-worthy article, or even your next novel. Even simple act of taking a walk allows you pleasure of opening up a storehouse of possibilities. In essence, everything you do is a possibility - every person you meet, every activity you engage in, and even doing absolutely nothing will inspire, enlighten and give you a storehouse of ideas. So, what is catch to your cornucopia of subject matter. You must be open to them. You must quiet your mind, your worries, your everyday problems, and let ideas flow in. Take time daily and open your mind, heart, and even your soul to vast enlightenments that are a part of each and every day. In reality, there is never a day that is closed to new ideas, insights, or perspectives.
| | COLOR MY WORLDWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
You have permission to publish this article in its entirety, electronically, or in print, as long as bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication, if possible, would be appreciated. Or an e-mail informing writer of your use. akaptur@centurytel.net Thank you. Word-Count: 753 Category: Writing TITLE: COLOR MY WORLD Author: Arleen M. Kaptur If world had no color, would you still want to live in it? You wake up in morning to shades of black, grey and white. That is full spectrum of tints, tones, and hues. Nothing else just variations on these three colors. Your home would be decorated in these shades and if you stepped outside, there it would be again. A color range that only had three choices plus any derivatives. Dull, monotonous, and very unappealing. But our world is made up of color. Lots of colors to choose from. You arrange your home around your favorites, and your garden just blooms with flowers that take your breath away. Wherever you look or travel, or happen to be, you are surrounded by shades of color that inspire, enlighten and make life worthwhile. Then, as writers, why don't we use colorful descriptions, conversations, and characters? Pick up a newspaper and you know basically how each story will start, questions an interviewer will ask, and in some circumstances, how it will all turn out. Some stories resemble others so closely that if you are reading one of these colorless renderings your mind is probably ten pages ahead of your eyes. Sometimes you wonder where all glitter and shine has gone in some of today's literature. When you try to research any subject, there is a very good chance that half articles or books you pick up will describe your topic in about same way, even using same words. When this happens, your mind takes notice and realizes that one of these writers either didn't really delve deep enough into material or he/she just decided that all other writers knew what they were talking about so it was all right to copy it, change it a wee bit, and sign their name to it. Ahem! how long do you think this deception would last? Today world is better educated, more in touch with world than ever before, and are very well read in whatever interests them. Today's writers, therefore, have to be a hop and a skip in front of their audience and present their material in a way that is fresh, new, and will excite or motivate reader. This is especially true if you write for younger people and children. Using your imagination and your skills to render stories, articles, and novels (fiction and non-fiction) that will be "fresh and new" is your key to success. Don't copy what has been done and especially not in same words. This is unforgivable and all your pens should be removed from your desk immediately!
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