Generating Writing Ideas: An Interview With a Freelance Writer

George Kramer is a freelance writer. He was a resident of New York, but now lives in Indiana. I wondered which place afforded him more writing ideas. Does the excitement of the big city offer more fodder for writing, or can the simple life match up?

Let's see what George has to say about it.

Angel: You were born in New York. At what age did you move to Indiana?

George: I was twenty-seven. I had lived a full life there and decided I needed a change of scenery. Living in a faster paced place made me realize I wanted to take a step back with my life. I had a couple of family members living in Indiana and they enticed me to move here.

Angel: How long have you been writing?

George: Since fifth grade. I started drawing cartoons before writing. Realizing the futility of my drawing abilities, I started to write.

Angel: Which state gets your creative juices bubbling the best?

George: I would have to say while New York ignited my writing desire or passion, it was Indiana that brought it to its current level. Both states influenced my writing too, but Indiana is where I saw my writing mature.

Angel: Do you think where a person lives play an important role in their writing?

George: Good question. I believe people who like to write will eventually write. However, they can be influenced by their environment. While living in New York, I realized writing was a useful outlet to the environment I grew up in. In Indiana I experienced the need to write because I finally realized it was who I am. I matured to the point where I wanted writing to be a part of my life. Therefore, I would have to say where a person resides may influence a writer, but it is up to the individual to ensure it happens.

Angel: Do you believe living in a fast-paced environment helps or hinders the writing process?

George: That is dependent upon your disposition and your personality type. Some people's creativity is hindered by fast-paced surroundings while the reciprocal holds true. Writers are a fickle lot. What predisposes people to write can be from a dysfunctional, broken home life to an affluent lifestyle to a mediocre home style. I don't necessarily think a slow or fast-paced environment is key, as opposed to the individual's reaction to it.

Angel: Is your life less stressful now? If so, does this help your writing?

George: No. My life is always stressful whether it was New York or in Indiana, but I do believe stress helps me with my writing. Stress causes my creative juices to flow more freely.

Angel: What are some of your favorite New York subjects that you've written about?

George: I have written how, with nine children and fatherless, we survived as a family and grew closer by the experience. The lack of money growing up and what we had to do without and growing up with a handicapped brother.

Angel: What are some of your favorite Indiana subjects that you've written about?

George: I have written about many aspects about Indiana. The differences between the two states always proved humorous to me. I have written about the colloquiums to the culture and the mindset to the Indiana accent versus the New York accent.

Angel: Now, just to assuage my curiosity, which state do you like best overall?

George: While New York will always be my home state and I still love it there, Indiana is my home. I am going to raise my daughter in Indiana but will let her know her father's roots started in New York.

Angel: Is there anything you'd like to add about this subject?

George: Yes. Writing is an art. It must be done on a continuous basis in order to progress. The old adage of practice makes perfect is a truism. And NEVER let anyone decide for you to write or not. It is a gift, learn to cultivate it.

What I got out of this is that a writer will write no matter where he lives. Everywhere provides writing material if we only look. Be sure and check George's articles out, I'm sure you'll see influences from both states, and learn some interesting information.