Inspiration from simple, every-day observations

As writers, we find inspiration from simple – even mundane – observations.

We might have a character that resembles the kooky guy at the coffee shop. Or a trait of another character that reminds us of a loved one. Perhaps one of your characters can juggle (as does my son).

We can memorialize others by creating short stories around their pleasures (like I did in “The Garden”) or writing of an event that gave us great joy (like “Mom and Bocelli”).

We can also do away with those that have wronged us (wait til ya see what I do to an ex in “Ruth Tees Off”).

Single events or commonplace observations can lead to inspiration – for our characters, stories, and our poetry.

For instance…

Three Shaved Heads

by Karen R. Sanderson

Military boys, all in a row.

One mature sergeant

And his two little clones.

Three shaved heads, all in a row.

Man, his boy, and his boy’s little bro.

First came a young boy,

Married so young.

One childlike man,

In an orderly row.

So there, that’s one.

Then came the first offspring,

They cuddle, side by side.

Two shaved heads,

In an orderly row.

So, then there were two.

Along came another boy,

Preemie and scared.

Later flourishing, strong.

The first two scoot over.

So, then there were three.

Three shaved heads, in an orderly row.

Avoiding blog burn-out

Even if you love blogging, there will come a day when you are near burn-out. Or maybe you have already crashed and burned.

Try to notice the signs of an imminent burn out. Intervention time!

I see it in myself. I sometimes agonize over what to write for my next blog.

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Same ole, same ole

Are you blogging only about writing? Or editing? Or social networking woes?

Try something different!

Do a blog of inspirational quotes (make your own with
background and script at Quozio).

Post inspirational artwork.

Take pictures and then post your photos.

Invite guest bloggers.

Tell a funny story about your childhood.

Genre rut

You write sci fi so you follow sci fi blogs exclusively. No, nada, niet!

Go look for poetry, women’s lit, romance, horror, or western blogs! Yes, western!

Try something different, pilgrim.

SSDD

“Same shit, different day.”

Have you been following the same blogs for months and months?

A good way to find new blogs is to connect with other commenters on the great blogs you follow or via guest writers on these blogs.

Go outside writing

If you are following a poo-pile of writing blogs, go look for blogs that are non-writing.

Try art blogs or yoga blogs or hiking blogs.

How about photography or watercolor or pottery?

What about cooking or dance?

Or better yet, take a class in art, yoga, photography, cooking, or dance.

Ask a question

On your Facebook page, ask a question like, “What do you do when you have writer’s block?” or “What one thing must I remember for a book signing?” or “What do you do when you have no idea for your next blog?”

You will probably get enough comments to create your next blog post (save the FB comments!).

Fun, fun, fun

Stop worrying about your blog and go out and have some fun!

See Susannah Friis’s blog post about having Fun Fun Fun.

Take a vacation

I’m not talking to Maui or St. Thomas (though those would be nice).

I’m talking a vacation from blogging. Just decide to take a month off and then stick to it.

Have you ever experienced blog burn out? What do you do to avoid burn out or get over burn out?

My Main Street – Art Main

Art Main Anniversary Poster from 1991

Art Main
13 South Main Street
Minot ND 58701
Phone: (701)838-4747 Fax: (701)838-1652
Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Connect with Art Main on Facebook.

Established: Open doors August, 1981.

Artmain is a retail store that offers custom framing, art supplies, and a women’s boutique with unique gifts.

Co-Owners: Beth Kjelson and Becky Piehl

About Beth – She is originally from Glenburn, ND. She graduated from MSU with double major in Elementary Education and Art Education, and then taught in Scobey, Montana, and Belcourt and South Prairie, North Dakota. She was Minot Art Gallery Director before opening Art Main. Beth is married to Keith and they have two sons, Eli and Billy. They live in Minot.

About Becky – She is originally from Marion, ND, and attended Valley City State University. Becky moved to Minot in the early 70s with her husband, Walter. She and Water have four children, Shadd, Levi, Crystal, and Cota. Becky retired in May of 2012 but remains as support to the business and to the Art Main girls.

Special Events

Art Main participates in downtown activities such as the Easter and Halloween walks, Fall Festival, and Christmas open house.

Art Main also conducts their own “in house” activities and specials. One of their long-standing annual sales is in February – “Sweetheart of a Deal Sale,” a custom framing sale, is still as popular as it was 32 years ago.

Before Art Main

Prior to Art Main the building housed a gift shop called J &J Gifts, but the Scofield Block was better known as Olson’s Men Store during the 50s and 60s. This location has had many occupants. It has been a hardware store, men’s clothing store, barber, American cafe, and pool hall. Scofield block was built in 1905 by James Scofield who was also voted mayor of Minot in 1887.

Old postcard of Main Street, Minot. Provided by Mark Lehner.

Do you have a favorite art supply store in your area? Do you dabble in the arts? What medium?

My Main Street – Margie’s Art Glass

Margie’s Art Glass Studio
109 Main Street South
Minot, ND 58701
701.837.8555
Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 8:30 pm
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm
Sunday and Monday closed
Connect with Margie’s on their website or on Facebook.

From Margie

I started my business in this location in 2004. I am the sole owner (except my husband has been my main supporter and custodian).

After a 19-plus-year career as a mom, I decided to re-enter the business world as a shop owner. I had too much experience telling my family what to do all those years to let it go to waste!

Opening the glass studio gave me the outlet for my creative side. We added the ceramic paint studio about a year and half after the original opening because it seemed a good fit.

Our coffee shop, “The Black Iguana,” was my attempt to bring people into the glass shop that otherwise would never come through the door – and it’s worked very well. We offer Minot’s best coffee drinks!

Classy glass

Margie’s offers a wide variety of glass classes including stained glass, fused glass, mosaic, and jewelry making. They also have a drop-in-paint-your-own pottery studio that has been well received in the community.

Downtown events

Margie’s Art Glass participates in a lot of downtown events, like the Bunny Walk, Treat Trail, and a Minot favorite, The Wine Walk. Margie’s also supports open house events during the holidays.

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Before it was Margie’s

For the 24 years before I owned the building, “Sax” maternity and children’s clothes was in the building; before that “Stevenson’s” (men’s wear I believe) Then back to 1906 a series of five and dime stores selling stockings, shoes, thread, with this and that.

Around 109 South Main, circa 1950s

The grandsons on a recent visit to Margie’s

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Do you have a favorite crafts, ceramics, or pottery venue in your area? What is your favorite craft?