It’s a Hot Time in My Office Tonight

WAIT! Before you gasp and hide your eyes, you should know this is NOT an X (or R) rated post. Instead, it honors this month’s theme on Blood Red Pencil: The Heat Is On — as that applies to writing.

by adwinda on morguefile

When thinking of heat, the first thing that come to this writer’s mind is a sizzling romance. After some contemplation, however, I conclude that “sizzling” need not be synonymous with explicit bedroom adventures. In fact, a romantic scene that ends with the reader standing outside the closing bedroom door may sizzle even more than a show-all, tell-all bird’s eye view of the action. How so? Imagination. Every reader’s experience is different, so the scene becomes personalized based on individual knowledge and lifestyle. Furthermore, the scene after the fact will speak volumes about what went on behind that closed door.

The next possibility that presents itself is fire. A roaring conflagration adds tension to almost any story as firefighters battle house fires, wild fires, burning high rises, shipboard blazes, and assorted other infernos. However, fire isn’t always destructive. Logs crackling in a fireplace on a chilly night warm those who sit close by. A bonfire beckons all comers to roast hot dogs, corn on the cob, foil-wrapped potatoes, and finish the meal with the sweet deliciousness of s’mores. A fire on a beach or a rocky ledge may signal searchers that lost hikers have been found. Every one of these scenarios can play a significant role in a great story.

by KFs on morguefile

Living in southern Colorado during this summer’s heat wave inspires more possibilities for story lines. What if a day trip into the desert ends with a vehicle breakdown many miles from civilization? Bottles of water in the cooler, ample for a day and a few extras for the evening, won’t keep anyone hydrated much longer than that in temperatures consistently running in three digits. A major interruption in power stops evaporative coolers and air conditioners alike, creating dangerous conditions for the elderly and others affected by high heat. Then what if the hospital’s back-up system breaks down before the power outage is repaired? Are potential stories coming to mind?

by David P. Whelan on Morguefile

Bottom line: The heat is on. The computer is fired up. Creative juices are broiling. It’s a hot time in my office tonight.

How about you? What’s under the broiler at your place?

Linda Lane and her editing team mentor and encourage writers at all phases of the writing process. To learn more about what they do, please visit them at www.denvereditor.com.