Translate Mishaps into Stories

by H.M. Gruendler-Schierloh
(Royal Oak, MI, USA)

As much as most of us would like to have everything run smoothly - if not all the time, then at least most of the time - we also know that "things as usual" seldom deliver suitable material for an interesting tale. On the other hand, those pesky challenges and screw-ups of everyday living can be a rich source for creative writing ideas. Just find the "universal" angle in a "personal" mishap, then add a bit of sentiment and/or a touch of humor, and voila, you have the ingredients for a good story.