There’s a common question that gets thrown at fiction writers:
“Where do your ideas come from?”
Where do the characters, the twists, the dialogue — all of it — actually come from?
I can only speak from my experience, but after writing hundreds of thousands of words, I’ll admit, I don’t know. I mean, I have theories (which we’re about to get into), but they are just that… theories.
There are still moments where I will sneeze out something, sit back, and ask myself:
“Where in Sauron’s Mordor did that come from?”
Sometimes it’s a line of dialogue, a flash of vivid imagery, or a rare string of purple prose.
The kind that feels like it didn’t come from me (at least, not from my fingers).
So where did it come from?
This is where I get carted off to the asylum, but I believe when we’re writing, we become a conduit for something more; we “drop in” to the other side beyond the veil of our reality.
Sometimes it’s brief; other times it can span hours.
Both psychics and writers feel like “something else” is connecting with them.
Mediums say it’s their guides, spirits, or ancestors passing the information; writers say it’s the muse.
But what if they’re just different names for the same damn thing?
We channel, we get into flow, we open ourselves up to the unknown, and BOOM, a scene – a world – unfolds before our fingertips. Characters speak. Events occur. Messages appear that feel almost too unfamiliar to take credit for.
Of course, we could also just be completely full of shit.
That’s entirely possible.
But what if it’s not?
What if every time we sit down, we do become a conduit for something more?
What if the dialogue you wrote yesterday was spoken not by you, but by someone who is no longer with us, from a time before countries formed, kings ruled, and Kim Kardashian got a butt implant?
What if the story you’re telling is not your brainchild, but that of an old soul who never got to dunk his or her quill in a pot of ink?
It’s quite a fascinating possibility when you think of it.
A mad one, albeit.
But one I am reminded of whenever I write something that leaves me bewildered and, dare I say, suspicious.
If you’re curious to read some of these head-scratching and hair-raising moments, you’ve got two options.
1. The Divided Region
This is my gritty epic fantasy series and also my more recent body of work. Ideal for those who love fast-paced adventure that reminds them of The Lord of the Rings and A Game of Thrones.
👉 Click here to check that out
2. Curse of Abbey Ruins Duology
For psychic thrills with a twist of horror, this short two-book tale might have you keeping the hallway light on for a few extra hours. Be warned: it’s some of my earlier work, so don’t expect my voice to be as sharp as it is now.
Such is the magic (and curse) of writing, but in any case, it’s a fun, quick read.
👉 Grab it here
DJJW