Jun 10 2008
Adventure Story Research
I apologize for not posting for a couple days. I’m in the middle of getting ready to go off to Boy Scout Camp. I do this every year around this time, and it’s a great way for me to come up with writing ideas. The best part about it is the fact that I get to go out in the country and get some much needed fresh air, as there is no Internet access where I’m going.
Each day at camp is inspiration for a variety of stories. There is so much going on, that it’s sometimes harder to stop the ideas from flowing than finding them. A couple of years ago, I tried my hand at the C.O.P.E. course, (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience). One day, I was a pirate walking the plank. Another day, I was a superhero standing upon the highest point in the land. On another, I was part of a team of specialists repelling down a steep cliff face.
Ok, so I wasn’t really all those things, but the experiences I had created characters for each event. Each area of camp has it’s potential to be part of a great adventure story. From the archery range, to the nature hut, to the mess hall. There is a story in each and every corner of the place. Even the people you meet at camp, are potential characters. Just remember to change the names. LOL
This is something anyone can do while their on vacation. Really look around you while you’re on vacation, and pick up on the subtle details. Everything from the condition of the roads, to the color of the sunset, to the sounds you hear. They are all pieces that will make your story pop. Are you going driving somewhere for vacation? You could use that to create an adventure story about a road trip, or a fast getaway. Are you flying somewhere this year? Write a story about a jet-setting, do-gooder. The possibilities are endless.
Everything around you can be used in the making of a great adventure story. And remember, adventure stories aren’t just for kids. Some of the best “romance” novels I’ve read had a lot of action packed within. You might think you’re life is mundane, but you can always live the life you dreamed of, in your stories.
In a few days we’re off to my native UK for the summer. Part of that time will be spent in a caravan (trailer) on the North East coast. My storylines will be of vikings (the irony …I live now in Sweden) coming ashore, of boats leaving for Dunkirk’s shores, of lifeboat crews performing heroic deeds, and of children finding buried treasure in a rock pool. There of course there’s the possibility of crime novels, such as drug dealers bringing their small boats into our cove, or perhaps a body being found on the golf course, or perhaps a skeleton in one of the old WWII look-out posts, or ……. Yup, there’s a wealth of material there!
I am so jealous. My biggest dream in life has always been to visit the UK. I’m British by heritage. Irish/German on my grandmother’s side—Scottish/English on my grandfather’s. After my husband watched “Braveheart”, he said I finally made sense.
I love all the ideas you’ve come up with. So many possibilities. Oh, how I wish I was going with you. But, you have fun, and write lots of great adventures.
Heck I’m just taking two little boys to visit gran for the summer, you’re going on a Scouting adventure!
LOL at your hubby’s lightbulb moment!
Enjoy camp!
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I hope you have a wonderful time at camp!
Great tips on finding inspiration around you, too
Sierra
http://anxiety.today.com
Really wonderful blog today. I will be going on a small vacation next weekend and will keep your advise in mind. Have a great time.
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