Have you ever had a story idea come to mind and then you chose a friend to tell it to? Do you enjoy it when you have someone who is willing to listen and will give their honest opinion about the idea, maybe point out flaws?
That’s what this post is about.
I, personally, think it’s great to have someone to discuss ideas with. It helps to avoid plot holes and figure out major, or minor, details. Just this past week I discussed with a friend and she helped me figure out many aspects of the story; there’s no way to describe how fantastic it was to have that much help. Hours of chatting, just to solidify these details and get opinions.
There’s little better than that feeling of accomplishment when someone likes an idea. Every writer should have someone to bounce ideas off. A friend, a family member, perhaps even a colleague. The important part is that you trust what they have to say and that they’re honest.
I have a few friends that help me with ideas, some more detailed than others, and I help some of those friends with their ideas. Writers helping writers; a mutual venture as intended.
Not only does it help you improve, but you share your inspiration with each other and it turns into a mutual adventure.
Remembering that it’s your story and that their suggestions are just that – suggestions – is important, but there’s no harm in being open to what they have to say. Those friends might just help you perfect that idea you’re so looking forward to writing about.
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Do you have someone you bounce ideas off? Does it help you?
Related articles
- Being A Writer: Finding Inspiration (gabrielletheauthoress.wordpress.com)
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August 24, 2011 at 4:15 pm
I do run my ideas by someone or let’s say a few people.
I would say it helps me tremendously to define my thought.
What I discovered recently in wordpress is the feedback feature, so as soon as I finish a post and I can send it via email and get feedback on my thoughts before I post.
But good post.
August 24, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I think it’s great to have people willing to listen to your ideas. I haven’t used the feedback feature; I mostly only ask for thoughts on stories, etc.
Thank you.
August 24, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I am such a panster that I don’t know where my story is going until I get there. I have, however, had people help me fill in plot holes because I just can’t see outside the box I write in, sometimes!
Great post!
August 24, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I prefer to plot things out before I start writing. It’s why I didn’t start Tales of The Forbidden until after two and a half years of planning. It’s great to have friends help.
Thank you!
August 24, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Well you’ve been really great for me in terms of bouncing ideas around. =) I think every writer should have a friend who’s also a writer and willing to talk ideas with them. It helps the mind expand on ideas easier, you know? Half of my stories wouldn’t be what they were without my husband. He lets me ramble on and on and on about my stories for hours, haha, and that’s the sort of relationship I think all writers should have (maybe not on the intimate spouse level, of course).
August 24, 2011 at 4:54 pm
I can say the same about you. 🙂
I agree; every writer should have a fellow writer they can discuss with, or just someone who is willing to listen and maybe comment every now and then. Like you said; everyone should have that kind of relationship with someone.
August 24, 2011 at 5:22 pm
This is a great post. I have decided to try my hand at a novel and I have the essence of an idea in my head but am having a hard time getting to thr crux of it. I’d love to be able to bounce it off someone with a creative mind who might help me get over the hump and really nail down the plot!
August 24, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Thank you! I’m glad you like it.
I wish you a lot of luck with your novel! If you’d like me to give my two cents about the idea, or even just a “sounds good”, let me know. You could always just send me an email and I’ll be glad to help!
August 24, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Me and a friend meet every couple of weeks for a couple of hours. We share our work before and then use our time for suggestions. Not only is it great to have support, but it spurs you on with your writing- a real purpose to get the words on the page today.
August 25, 2011 at 2:10 pm
That sounds like a great way to spend your time together. I’m glad it helps your productivity. 🙂
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