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and the military for our non-military engineers. already. I drove my wife, Joanne, to a meeting
Long story short, I helped us go from being the in Wilsonville, and waited for her in a small
underdog in a major race to win a huge military cafe. I took notes on what the waitress wore and
contract to winning the contract. My team and how she dealt with customers. That became a
I earned the Intel Achievement Award (their server in one of my books.
highest honor, other than becoming an Intel Start with your own idea, whatever inspired
Fellow) as a result. you or wherever it came from. If you don’t have
Where do writers get ideas for fiction? Read, an idea yet or just dream of being a writer, try
read, then read some more. Anything you read at least one of the ideas mentioned here to find
can spark an idea. I’m working on a new and something to write about. Or try them all, and
novel mystery approach, based on Sir Arthur pick the idea that appeals most to you.
Conan Doyle’s stories about Sherlock Holmes Just Write will offer tips and suggestions
and Dr. Watson. (I could tell you more, but that for writers and aspiring writers. There might
would let the cat out of the bag) be interviews, musings, news from the writing
For Toastmasters, it begins with listening. industry. This is new, so I’m not sure where it
I’m sure you’ve heard many speeches that told a will go. But I do intend to provide a writing
story, and gave you a spark for your next speech. exercise/contest in each article.
Or piece of writing. If you watch TV shows or Here is the writing exercise (or writing
movies, think while you watch. How would you prompt, if you prefer) this month: Share 100
change the story, the ending, or some of the words (or so) about where you found an idea, and
characters? My wife and I have been enjoying what your idea might be. From those submitted
an award winning series, Downton Abbey. I’ve to me at lupusgnome@hotmail.com, I will
learned a lot about character development choose the one I think most illuminating and
by paying attention to various characters. No publish the winning entry (or up to 150 words of
spoilers here, but we’ve come to appreciate a it) here. I must receive submissions no later than
couple of characters we wanted to dislike at first. midnight PDT August 8, 2020. Now, go gather
Every day in the news there are stories about a great idea and write something amazing!
people, conflict, belongings, and beliefs. You Ken and his wife Joanne live in the Pacific
can pick up a plethora of ideas from the news. Northwest, near two of his four children. He loves to
Reedsy (an online writing prompt and contest read, write, play both kinds of golf (ball and disc) and
site) offers five writing prompts each week. At the design board games. He joined Toastmasters in 2011.
time I’m writing this, all five of their prompts He is currently a member of TV Toastmasters and
are related to the wave of protests going on now. hosts his own segment called The Write Stuff. He is
Maybe my stories, will give you ideas. serving the District as the 2020-21 Club Extension
Become a people watcher, if you aren’t Chair. He has earned his PM1.
VOICES! | JULY 2020 41
