Where did you come up with that?!
Know how many times I’ve been asked that question? Countless. I write fantasy and the occasional romance, so oftentimes my stories are ‘out there’. Some readers don’t get it.
Stories come to me in all kinds of shapes and forms.
The first flash fiction I had published, Infinite Snare, was inspired by Nick Jr’s Backyardigans. They had a cool story about some creature living in a tree. The witch’s hovel from IS came to life in my mind.
Another, Heart’s Wish, began with a celtic song I stumbled across and haven’t found since. The haunting melody brought to mind a little girl running from an unseen danger – lonely and afraid, through mud and rain.
The first short story I ever wrote, Sacrificial Oath, came about by a picture prompt. J. Taylor Publishing announced an anthology call with an illustration of a scarlet-clad woman in the midst of a frozen wasteland, an obscure tower on the horizon.
This story was vague in my mind for a few months but eventually filled out and took shape thanks to my mother who is the best idea-bouncer-offer EVER. Love my momma.
Sacrificial Oath was accepted by JTP and their Make Believe Anthology released December 3rd of this year. It’s a collection of six stories ranging from fantasy to paranormal romance.
My second short story, Beginning of Forever, an historical romance, was actually meant for Still Moments Publishing’s Halloween anthology call, but I missed the submission cutoff.
I tweaked the theme for their Christmas Magic Anthology. It was accepted for publication and is included with three other contemporary romance shorts. The release date was December 4th.
My sister-in-law’s real life experience inspired BoF. She lost her husband to cancer, but strove to live for her young son. Recently she began dating again and has blossomed – she’s one of the strongest women I know.
No matter where an idea comes from, I jot it down. I stew a bit. Take notes if necessary.
In the car. At the grocery store. Watching my oldest daughter in gymnastics class.
I keep a pen and pad of paper beside my bed in case a scene wakes me in the middle of the night. It’s happened a few times for my fantasy WiP.
Whenever – however – let your muse runaway. You never know what it might evolve into.
Where does your inspiration come from? Where’s the most unique / funny place or way one of your stories came to life?
About the Author
Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with the fantasy genre.
Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her two young daughters allow. When not potty training or kissing boo-boos, she can be found on her back patio in the boondocks of New Hampshire, book or pencil in hand.
Novel Obsession 
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