As discussed before, readers’ interest and curiosity as to where writers’ ideas come from has no end. Replies vary, of course, but writers usually respond to the question in the context of a recent book, and therefore, reference some experience, learned fact, or perception equally recent. That may be, as it were, short-sighted. I am currently working on two books. One is based on a story I heard some thirty years ago. A man I met told me about a part of his life, something that happened to him, an experience, which I had never heard related. It fascinated me. It also stayed in my head.
My second story was something I had read about years ago, too, a quirky moment in history, which, at the time was significant, but today is never mentioned. Again, it stayed in my mind, along with the thought that someday I must write about that. Exactly why these events rose to the surface of my work now I cannot say, only that they did.
I am aware that I am being slightly coy by not telling you more. But, after all, I am writing these stories and someday, hopefully, you will read them.
My point however is this: Ideas can be long-lasting. They can take decades to ripen, and hopefully, to flower. Sometimes ideas have to wait for the writer to come to terms with them, or realize their potential. Sometimes it is a question of gaining courage or insight to deal with these ideas. Ideas are patient.
When writers despair that they have no ideas, I suggest that that they reach deep within themselves. You may be astonished by what you find—and how ready such ideas are—now—for your pen.