Hey, writers. I really wanted to tell you all about the tail end of my San Diego trip. For obvious reasons, I can’t tell you every bit. But I can tell you the important stuff.

Hit the jump, writers, and let’s discuss.

How much is an idea worth? This, writers, is a very interesting question. I believe it was George R.R. Martin that said an idea isn’t worth anything. His point being that the follow-through is all that matters.

For instance. Say that you told him your new idea about…a little boy that goes to a school to learn how to cast magical spells. (Harry Potter). Or maybe an idea about a boy that makes friends with a giant robot (Iron Giant). Well. The idea would be original. But that’s far from a completed story. Someone, namely us, would have to sit down and write it. Which entails things like multiple drafts and lots of effort.

In a way, I agree with R.R. Actually executing and delivering a novel is a gargantuan task. However, I do not agree that ideas are a dime a dozen. And I do believe that the kernel of an idea does in fact hold some value.

As I type this I’m on an airplane back to Oahu. (Yes, it was a good trip and yes it went by all too quick.) Sitting here in a quiet as well as noisy airplane I can’t help but think of my next (or next, next) project. One, I can’t tell you what that is yet. (I don’t completely agree with R.R. remember?) However, two, I can tell some things about it.

When I was in San Diego. I cemented a future project. I had some general ideas but roaming around a zoo made it into a Definite Yes, instead of a Blurry Maybe.

So today I wanted to talk to you all about ideas. I can’t quite tell you where they come from. There’s always the high falutin’ Brian Griffin example. (He was saying that he saw the world through “writer’s eyes” and something else…like the ideas kind of generated themselves and he was just taking notes. (Legit surprised I can’t find the quote on-line)  It came out quite flowery.)

The dude was clearly hitting on a woman but there’s some truth to his words. Having said that, I agree with what Andy Rooney said.

“My advice is not to wait to be struck by an idea. If you’re a writer, you sit down and damn well decide to have an idea. That’s the way to get an idea.”

Say you were to brainstorm ideas involving flying.  In an airplane, you get Sully. Jodie Foster’s Flightplan (a movie about a missing child on an airplane). Airplane! as well as numerous TV shows.

So here’s my challenge today, writers. Wherever you are reading this, think of an idea for the location you’re in. For instance, if you’re in a library, brainstorm a plot that involves librarians. And if you’re in bed, think of something that involves a bed. (Oi, I just remembered my various friends that like to read on the toilet. Haha).

So what do you think, writers:

Does an idea itself hold value or do you agree with George R.R. Martin?

Sound off in the comments, and let me know!

Aloha,
Alvin