Do you need a writing inspiration on Independence day?
Give yourself the freedom to write. Bring the sites and sounds of the 4th of July to any genre!
According to the History Channel, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).
From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
I think writers can find a lot of inspiration on Independence Day.
Fireworks –
bring the emotion to your story … make the reader cry, make yourself cry, make your momma cry. Make them all laugh and get scared and want to stay up all night finding out what happened.
Parades –
keep the theme throughout the story … a plot is like a parade (yes I know it’s a bit of a stretch but go with me here)… a line of various acts marching along a predetermined path. That path is the theme, and it needs to resonate in each scene.
Concerts –
let them hear you … yes, they are reading but if every sense is not used, then the story feels flat. Create the sound of the story by your description. How loud is that damn train, how soft is the wind, just how annoying is your main character’s sister (mine is leading the pack).
Barbecues –
let them eat cake .. you know your readers want to have lunch with your characters so make it cool. Stroll the farmer’s market, dine on marsala, kick back at the dock, and eat grouper. Have those readers eating out of the palm of your page.
(My friend Alan Black at a Pentagon BBQ)
So from my house to yours, find your writing inspiration from the freedom of the day, given to us all by people willing to put their lives on the line.
Happy Independence Day!