Ah, the dreaded blank page. I am starting on the latest DCI Jack Harris crime novel but I am undecided what it will be about. Normally, I have a strong Idea but not this time – scraps of ideas, yes, strong ideas no.
It is a problem which myself and fellow crime writer Ian Robinson will discuss at an event in September 2026. It’s called ‘They get me – authors to explore the idea of ideas’ and I will mark 20 years as a published novelist with a discussion about the nature of ideas with Ian, with the title taken from a quote from Robertson Davies, Canadian novelist, playwright, and critic, who when asked where his ideas come from, replied: ‘My usual, perfectly honest reply is, ‘I don’t get them; they get me’
Other quotes on the subject include
My standard answer is I don’t know where they come from, but I know where they come to, they come to my desk. If I’m not there, they go away again, so you’ve got to sit and think. (Philip Pullman, English writer)
Ideas come to a writer, a writer does not search for them. Ideas come to me like birds that I see in the corner of my eye, I say to journalists, and I may try, or may not, to get a closer fix on those birds. (Patricia Highsmith, American crime writer)
People always want to know: Where do I get my ideas? They’re everywhere. I’m inspired by people and things around me. (Gwendolyn Brooks, American poet)
So how will I solve the problem? Well, normally I plan then write bit but on this occasion I have started to write and see where it takes me. I’ll keep you posted.
If you wish to attend our event, the details are:
Date: Thursday September 17 7pm Selkirk Arms, Wee Bar, High Street, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway DG6 4JG
Entry Free but numbers are limited and places can be booked on deangriss@btinternet.com or 07889 554931. Duration: One hour
Leave a comment