I've found that there are times when an idea sneaks up on me, maybe circles my legs a few times, purrs a little, and then I find myself spending weeks or even months trying to coax it up into my lap.

These book ideas are often very dependable, solid, really a good companion—like an old love. Maybe a little passionless but so familiar that you can't ignore them.

And then there are the **EPIPHANIES**

Book ideas come in all shapes and sizes and are inspired in countless ways. Survey a hundred different writers on what gave them them idea for their current WIP and you'll get a hundred different answers.

And for me? No two experiences are the same.

My former mistress (I mean manuscript), the one in the capable hands of my agent, came to me in a single shining word in the shower one day. That was it. Just a word.

And the word was obscure enough that I had to go look it up. I had a vague idea what I was thinking about, the basic roots, but the more expansive definition was not even a part of my conscious mind.

Then I had another idea. And another. One more. And a sequel idea. I have, of course, written them all down and filed them away. I've made a few Scrivener files, added a little research and then wandered away.

Then ANOTHER idea came to me. Driving. Straight into the bluest sky I had seen in ages, with the most perfect, expansive, WHITE clouds. Not a touch of grey, not even a streak of plane exhaust in the sky. It was like driving right into the atmosphere, into such a joyous light that it just felt like someone should be enjoying with me. Someone named Isadora (although I didn't know her name at the time). All I knew was that someone had to see what I was seeing.

And **poof** a new book landed in my brain, exploded behind my eyelids, blinded me like a flash bulb, left a trail of smoke, broke me in two . . .

How do your ideas come to you?