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"Let it percolate."

Harry Crews, my professor at the University of Florida, stated that all creative writing must be given a chance to "percolate." In other words, you must either:

1. let the idea stir in your head for a day or two, or
2. write the first sentence or paragraph and put it aside for a day or two.

After 48 hours or so, if the idea still intrigues you, then you have an idea worth exploring. And this is a vital, yet simple piece of advice. The first person any idea must excite is the author! If you're intrigued by an idea a day or two after you write it down or it pops into your head, then you possess the core of what could be a wonderful story or poem or screen play.

You - the author - must be intrigued initially.
You - the author - must get excited thinking of the avenues the story can take you.
You - the author - must feel a chill thinking about the byline when you see your name in print.
You - the author - must be ready to tackle this new idea with the aggressiveness of a dog at a chew toy.

If, after the idea has percolated, and you're still intrigued and excited and goosepimply and feeling a little aggressive about pen to paper, then by all means, your idea is ready for development. Go ahead and breathe life into it!

Learn more about this author, Stuart Kantor.
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