There are no clouds of cherry blossoms in our yard, and we won’t be sitting under any to sip sake and have a picnic lunch. Our single cherry tree isn’t an ornamental one, but a fruit-bearing variety – Prunus avium – so these first blossoms aren’t just something to admire, but are a promise of something even more special to come. They’re just the beginning.
Beginnings are exciting. The anticipation that bubbles when a new story idea refuses to be ignored … tantalizing information teasing the mind about a new protagonist and a possible quest. The pieces aren’t all here yet, just the promise of a new writing adventure. We watch it grow, blossom and begin to produce fruit.
It’s going to be delicious! Ah, but for now, it’s just the beginning.
How do your new stories introduce themselves to you?
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“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
[Isaiah 43:19]
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MUSINGS 
Carol,
I haven’t visited in a while so I don’t know how long you’ve had the new template/color scheme to your blog. I love it! Nice and fun, especially the flower photo at the top.
Christi Corbett
Thanks for another lovely post, Carol. For me each story introduces itself differently. I would liken it to the difference between the seasonal blooms, the advent of new buds on trees and the “ever” green of the pines. One never knows how, only that when it does, we should enjoy the time, until it changes again 🙂
I like the Bible verse you use to illustrate. Very appropriate. The Lord calls to our attention when something is new, so we may appreciate it in a special way. When I am filled with the excitement to write, expression flows like water over falls. Until words fulfill this desire to communicate, the energy remains. I’m not writing a manuscript at this time. I’m speaking of short works, mostly poetry. The same enthusiasm jump starts a new major work as well. A fire is kindled that grows in intensity as a story unfolds. Blessings to you, Carol…
The beginnings for my stories never come to me in one set way. Sometimes I’ll be captivated by a certain character – who usually ends up being the protagonist – and I’ll create a world to fit them. Occasionally a certain concept for a world will come to me and the characters follow along afterwards. I’ve even been wandering around shops or about to fall asleep when an idea for a story comes to mind! I guess it goes to show that beginnings can crop up anywhere, even when you least expect them. Interesting post, Carol!
What a lovely picture, one that holds promise.
My stories come to me many ways. Sometimes it’s a picture of a potential character. Sometimes it’s a setting. Sometimes it’s a profession. I never know. I just go with the flow.
My first story came as a result of an experience I had while on a trip. I finished it, but the characters decided they had more to say. So…I wrote book 2. The third story is a WIP, and the last part of the trilogy.
I love hearing how all your ideas come to you! There’s obviously some agreement, but no one particular way for any of us. What’s that saying? “Different strokes for different folks.”
What a great metaphor! Maybe that’s why so many people are starting new novels now that it’s spring. 🙂