When Ideas Spark / Happenings In The Outhouse 05-June-2026

I have always been amazed at when a story idea presents itself to me.  Some ideas come fully formed, like a thousand-piece puzzle tossed into a table.  A number of pieces do fall on the floor, but they're all there.  I just have to put them together.

Then there are the stories that I search and search to uncover, like sifting through an archeological dig.  One never knows what you'll find, but you'll know it when you see it.

Last month my wife and I went to visit her parents.  On Sunday, we go to their church (my father-in-law is the pastor, and his sermons are always an inspirational joy to listen to) and during the prayer at the beginning of the service, an idea struck me.  It was from the prayer that was said, and I envisioned a story.  Almost in its entirety.  Remember, there are a few pieces of the puzzle that fall on the floor, get brushed into the corner.  It's great fun to put all of the pieces together, to see what it becomes.

Then, just the other day, my wife told me about a dream she had and thought it would make a great story.  This was another thousand-piece puzzle moment, where the story seemed like it was all there.  All I needed to do was put them together.