If you want to look at how conditions create character, you could do worse than looking to the examples of John Steinbeck.
The 13 Best John Steinbeck Books
If you can’t be there …
Several of my writing friends spent a long weekend at the 25th annual Madison Writer’s Institute. Sadly, I couldn’t go. But the notes and posts from those who could are rolling in. For a taste of the best writer’s conference in the Midwest, take a look at Mary Lamphere’s post, http://marylamphere.com/2014/04/07/welcome-to-the-club/
She’s not the only one raving happily about the talks from authors and agents, the workshops on craft and business, the networking and the fun. It sets a high bar for next year, but we all expect institute organizers Laurie Scheer, Christine DeSmet and the rest of the crew at http://continuingstudies.wisc.edu/writing/index.html to outdo themselves — again.
Strange notions
Yesterday, I mentioned reading imaginative children’s books to pump your own imagination. Consider reading a genre you don’t usually read for the same purpose. Try something from science fiction, for example. This list has some great suggestions.
Great Unsung Science Fiction Authors That Everybody Should Read
http://io9.com/great-unsung-science-fiction-authors-that-everybody-sho-1552276689
Idea wells
Prime the pump of your imagination by reading other imaginative works. Here is a review of a couple books for young readers that might open the well of your mind.
Guys Lit Wire: Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman and Ludo and the Star Horse by Mary Stewart
http://guyslitwire.blogspot.com/2014/03/odd-and-frost-giants-by-neil-gaiman-and.html?m=1
Write in the tub
Feeling a little blocked? Here are a few ideas to encourage your creative side.
How to Be More Creative, Wherever You Work | Entrepreneur.com
sharon p. lynn 