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Anyone who has been hamster-wheeling a story idea for years or has hundreds of pages exploring various approaches on their hard drive knows that there must be a better way. There is. Young adult novelist Denise Jaden shows exactly how to create the captivating stories that prevent dispiriting wasted time. Busting the “visitation from the muses” myth, she shows that inspiration is a skill writers can learn by understanding how story ideas work (or don’t), fertilizing the ground for fresh and sound ideas, and moving swiftly through stuck points. Practical and inspiring, Jaden’s approach celebrates the imaginative sparks that make innovations of all kinds possible while pinpointing the precise tools writers need to fan their unique creative flames.
— Dawn Ius, author of Anne & Henry
“Brimming with practical tips and techniques, Story Sparks is an excellent resource for writers eager to coax out their best story ideas. I found it immediately helpful, and I’ll no doubt return to it time and again.”
— Shari Green, author of Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess
“Story Sparks by Denise Jaden teaches even noncreative types how to collect ideas and turn them into great stories.”
— Lee Strauss, author of the Ginger Gold Mystery series
Table of Contents
Introduction
Section 1: S.P.A.R.K.
Seek
Passion
Allies
Resonance
Kinetic Energy
Section 2: Spark Application
Observation Skills
Fun and Games
The Fast Five
Blank Page to Map
Logline to Idea
Themes to Ideas
Brainstorm like a Child
Brainstorm like a Teenager
Brainstorm like a Senior Citizen
What If...
Combining Ideas
Choosing an Idea
Following Through
Troubleshooting Ideas
Section 3: Spark Habits
Organization
Find Balance
Be Positive
Get Active
Rest
Change Sparks Observation
Weekly Spark Habits
Conclusion
Table of Contents (part 2)
Appendixes
Appendix A: Names
Classic American Names
Unusual Names
Old Fashioned Names
Long Names
Short Names
Fantastical Names
Surnames
Appendix B: Places
Setting Suggestions
Appendix C: Motives
Motive Suggestions
Appendix D: Obstacles
Obstacle Suggestions