When someone says, "I had an idea," what exactly do they mean? Where do "ideas" come from? This is a question not often-enough asked in creative writing programs, painting classes, music or film programs. It is so simple and basic as to elicit a "give me a break" reaction from some people, but I for one find it as fascinating as it is difficult to answer. Teachers usually say, "Write a five-page short story." They do not say, "Here's where to garner inspiration." Why is this? Is it because no one knows where ideas come from? Or, knowing, is it impossible to communicate it?
Dizzy and I sat down to "write a script." This intention can come from one of only a few places: 1. The desire to be like filmmakers we admire, 2. The external stimulus of some professor or boss, 3. The presence of a story inside us and the desire to put it forth. Number two was not a factor. Number one was definitely present, and perhaps the greatest motivation. But without number three, what progress can be made? It is well and good to admire and imitate great story-tellers, great artists, but without some thing, some idea or thought or feeling or psychadelic episode to relate, then no imitation is possible.
Login to read more
Sign in or create a free account to access Subscriber-only content.
Topics: