My latest article, Sweet Scents: Des Moines Mom Makes Emily’s Handmade Soaps, is out now in the October/November issue of South Sound Magazine. The story is about a soap maker in Des Moines, Washington.
South Sound Magazine, October/November 2015. The cover illustration is by Chandler O’Leary of Anagram Press.
When young people ask me about writing, one of the questions is always about finding inspiration.
For freelance writing, my inspiration comes from many places. I read 30 or more books a month. I subscribe to over 25 magazines and I read every article about travel, lifestyle, home, and small business I find. I study the ads to learn about the market. My social media time is about gathering story ideas and following trends. I’ve been writing long enough to get insider information from tourism and public relations professionals and I love hearing from entrepreneurs and innovators.
Then there’s my idea for this latest story. It’s about Emily’s Handmade Soaps, a local mom entrepreneur making natural soaps in her home. Emily is a friend of my sister. The story’s farmer’s market setting with its sights, sounds, and smells inspired me. Plus, I’m just drawn to creativity and the chutzpah it takes to make a business out of it.
Et voilà. Inspiration.