All writers are asked that question about a million times in their career. And there are probably just as many replies for each book they write.
My idea grew out of that old warhorse of a question, What if?
The seed for my historical novel about Frederic Chopin (The Education of Delhomme: Chopin, Sand, and La France) was planted decades before I set pen to paper. After graduating from college, I couldn’t find a job. So, I apprenticed with a master piano tuner and rebuilder. During my year working in that dark, dank basement in Chicago, I listened to classical music as I repaired actions for uprights and grands. I loved every time Chopin came on. I had learned to play some of his music too, so every recording was super special to me.
Many years later, I asked myself, What if Chopin had a tuner? I reasoned that he must have had one since he was frail and ill with TB. Tuning is quite physical and time consuming. Besides, Chopin wanted to spend every waking hour composing.
The real boon for this approach was that I didn’t have to research anything about tuning or pianos. I also play the piano. My mother wasn’t wrong when she said, "Write what you know." Thanks, Mom!
Hobbies, work, travel, or just life experiences can all morph into stories or books. What’s your way of scrounging up a good story idea?
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