Breaking news: American Idol was upstaged last night for the first time since 2004 – by the Olympics. And even though I love American Idol, I thought that was pretty cool stuff. I mean, you can’t get more real than the Olympics.
Last night, I was introduced to a new sport.
The sport is called curling. And I guess it can get pretty intense. This was the best video I could find that showed a full shot. The goal is to get your “puck” in the middle of the target by the last shot.
Then I learned another fact today. It draws huge crowds! Who would’ve guessed?
I realize that paranormal, dystopian, and fantasy are hot items right now. My impression is that writers are pumping out these kind of stories like crazy. But more and more, I see on agent blogs and in interviews, that they wouldn’t mind seeing something else in their inbox.
I admit, there is something appealing about angels and ghosts – a mystery surrounds these topics in real life that makes them interesting to write and read about. I’m sure there will be more of these published. (I love a fun or scary ghost story as long as I connect to the character.)
But what about unique story ideas that could still draw readers…kind of like Curling in the Olympics. I’m still amazed that there is such a sport. There must be good tension while watching the sport for it to draw such crowds.
What story ideas do you see as having untapped potential? Or does it really matter – as long as the writing skill is there, the reader connects to the character, and there is tension?
I love curling! My husband and I watched a ton of it during the last Olympics. I still don’t quite understand how the scoring works, but it’s so much fun to watch! There’s a documentary called Men with Brooms that’s all about curling – I haven’t seen it yet but I’ve heard it’s fantastic.
I feel guilty that as a proud Canadian I’m a little perplexed about the fanaticism that accompanies curling. I don’t get it. Sweeping ice with a broom? I don’t even sweep my kitchen floor.
We’ve loved watching curling during this olympics–and it seems to be on all the time (on one of the secondary channels) The strategy is really interesting.
I like big ideas in my writing–fantastical what ifs. Some of my writing partners are into the realistic, might-actually-happen ideas. Those kind of ideas I wish I could come up with too–for some reason my brain doesn’t work that way. But I love reading them! Good luck on your next idea!
Anna, Nelsa, Heather – Thanks for commenting! It was neat to watch. And I was amazed at how many people were in the audience chanting and cheering. Pretty cool.
Heather – Ideas are swirling, it’s trying to decide which one to follow! 🙂 Which one speaks the most to my heart.
watching the olympics makes me feel proud to be Canadian. – American or Canadian Idol, not so much.
I just found out about curling watching the Olympics! Who knew? They take it very seriously though, LOL. This Southern girl is still trying to figure out though–don’t really care much for cold and ice.
Ah, new story ideas. That’s a tough one. But I do think the next trend will be mermaids. Been seeing a lot of deals about them.
You never know…I tend to write what I like to read.
Terry Lynn – I know what you mean. Watching the athletes try so hard or watching the medal ceremonies, I can’t help but get teary-eyed.
Karen – Mermaids? Maybe. I’m with you. I tend to write the style I like to read, not necessarily subject matter. 🙂