Vacation is a Time to... Learn?

We're on a family trip.* And while I haven't figured out an analogy between snow-skiing and writing a novel, I think it's only a matter of time... *wink*

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I have figured out I do my best reading-as-research as a passenger in the car, though. For whatever reason, I can better absorb craft, technique, snappy dialogue, character development, etc.

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On our way to Colorado I read Sail, the newest suspense by James Patterson with Howard Roughin. (This was another recommendation by Melanie Avila.) While I won't get into the story itself (visit the link to see Amazon's summary), it was strung together so well, every aspect was an example of what to do.

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It was fast-paced, and what really struck a resonant chord with me was that for every step forward, there were one or two back. When the author could have made things easy, he (they) made it more difficult. While this book is suspense, and I don't write anything near that, it was a lesson in how to draw the reader into the characters' happenings, keep them engaged, and build tension.

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The storyline wasn't bad, either. *wink* (There's something in my eye. Really.)

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I also do my best brainstorming when I take my turn behind the wheel. The stretch of miles bode well to plot assessment. It's as if I can see my novel's idea on the interstate in front of me, where I define what's working and what isn't.

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I'm at a crucial mid-way point with my WIP right now, and I was happy to discover a key idea that (I hope) will turn my efforts into better payoff. I took notes, rooted the idea into the creative part of my brain, and can't wait to see the idea turn to fruition.

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Slated for our drive home is Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg, one of my favorite women's fiction authors...
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What are you reading now? Are you learning from it?

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And, when does your best brainstorming happen?

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*My return comments and visits to your blogs will be minimal.

Turn A Letter Into Fiction

I've been enjoying your great thoughts on Monday's post about honesty in writing. Thanks for the discussion!

And for today's topic...

Some may recall I have an interest in antiques. What seems to catch my eye most often of late are old letters and postcards, and I know it's because of the stories - whatever they are - behind those pieces. I love turning possibilities for their existence over in my mind.

Two weekends ago, I attended an antiques show and vintage market with some friends. One booth had a plastic tub full of old envelopes, and I brought two home. My favorite is this one.

Postmarked on February 18th of 1939 (70 years ago today!), it journeyed from San Francisco to Father Flanagan at Boys Town in Nebraska. I just think that's pretty darn cool. Handwritten notes in pencil declare it a personal, first-class letter, and that postage was 3 cents short (for a total of 9 cents). What tugs at me most though, is the ever-so-light script that reads: "Father - chocolate enclosed for Nellie." It's like a playground for my imagination.

And I want you guys to play with me.

You've read pieces of my flash fiction (some of which you can find in the sidebar to the right), but today I'm asking you to write some.

Using any or all of the details above, or even just the picture, write a blurb. (Keep it on the shorter end, though. Let's say as few as you need, but no more than 250 words.) Post it in the comments section - or on your own blog, and let me know you've done so.

I'll take "entries" until Saturday, midnight CST. I'll then deliberate and choose the one that speaks to me most. Come Monday, a "winner" will be announced, and he or she will receive a new, hardbound copy of James Patterson's Sam's Letters to Jennifer. Fitting, eh?

Are you up for the challenge? If so, hop to. And spread the word! The more the merrier on my playground.