Hello everyone, and welcome to my very first blog post! As I began my path into writing and publishing, I wanted to take a moment and connect with anyone out here listening.. err, reading. For those who are just discovering me, I’m Shelley Huff, an author with Huff Publishing, and like many of you, I love reading and can be captivated by stories.

Today, I wanted to delve into something fundamental to every writer’s journey: the initial spark of an idea. Where do stories come from? It’s a question I get asked often, and honestly, the answer is rarely straightforward. Sometimes, it’s a fleeting image that takes root and blossoms in my mind. Other times, it’s a “what if” scenario that stubbornly refuses to be ignored. And occasionally, it’s a character who arrives fully formed, whispering their secrets and demanding their story be told.

For my upcoming novel, Two Lanes to Goodbye, the initial seed was based on an experience with an old friend. I will never forget her, and I will never forget our last ride together. It still lingers with me. I began to wonder about the life stories that I have experienced, that my friends experienced, all of us with the stories of love, friendship, and pain, and how sharing them with each other can enrich each other.

The journey from that initial spark by my husband who encouraged me to put it to paper and share it with you was met with reluctance on my side. I questioned every moment and overthought it to death. But it is on life support and soon will be finished. There are moments of exhilarating discovery, frustrating roadblocks, and countless hours spent wrestling with words. But the driving force that keeps me focused is always that initial flicker of inspiration. It’s the heart of the story, the reason it demanded to be told in the first place. It could not be quieted.

What sparks your imagination? What kind of stories draw you in as a reader? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s connect and share the magic of storytelling together.

Thank you for joining me on this new adventure!

Warmly,

Shelley Huff

 

writing process, story ideas, inspiration, creative writing, author’s journey, book origins, Two Lanes to Goodbye, Huff Publishing, Visalia author