Have you ever had the bulk of a new story drop into your consciousness while you teetered on the edge of sleep?

It happens to me every once in a while, and that’s what I experienced a couple of nights ago.

I wasn’t planning to start a new manuscript.  I wasn’t even looking for a new story idea.  But as if I were reading actual pages, I saw a series of journal entries.

The words ranged from heartbroken to bitter, before moving into acceptance and love.  I knew the event that prompted these entries had changed everything their author believed about life and everyone around her.  And her words have the power to change someone else.

I don’t know if or when I will do more with the inspiration I received that night.  One habit I’m trying to change is that of jumping from one project to another without finishing the first.  So I want to finish what I’m working on before exploring this woman’s story.

Will the words flow as freely and smoothly as they did there in the dark?  Maybe not, at least not until I prime the creative pump again. 

But those moments, when characters appear fully fleshed, carrying their hopes and dreams, their disappointments and sorrows—those are what keep me writing.  And each time they introduce themselves, I’m ready to ride the flow of their stories to The End.