Student Blog: Finding Play Inspiration on Fire Island

With just under a month before school starts, I am taking every opportunity to soak in every inch of summer. However, I can’t help my writing instincts when I get inspired. Often a simple change of scenery for me is when ideas for new stories start to flow. Sometimes I don’t need to go so far! This is how I take advantage of a new setting, and turn it into material for new stories.

The first step in my writing process typically ends up being an idea for a new character. From there, I then begin to conceptualize a setting, conflict, and the plot points. Character analysis is one of my favorite skills I have learned to develop while being in college, so I think because of that I almost always create a concept for a character first. Naturally when I come up with a character I really like it inspires me to write the rest! Fortunately for me, Fire Island has many characters, and so many attributes to choose from when creating a new one.

In the summer, I love to people watch. It’s one of my favorite things to do, and there is no better place to do it than on a beach at Fire Island. At the beach you can find any type of character you want: Locals, people from out of town, teenagers on summer break, the workers at the deli, etc. The best thing you can do when developing a new character for a story is to analyze the behavior of real people. Taking aspects of real human behavior to then use as a foundation for something or someone new can help elevate your text, and make it more relatable for your intended audience.

In addition to people watching, being surrounded by water is something that naturally inspires a lot of people. Water represents life, change, and so much more. Thus, it gives me all the more reasons to write about it. It doesn’t take me long before I have various ideas for a new story, either. Another great writing skill from my playwriting professor is to just start typing whatever comes to you. Set a timer, and take five minutes to write. Write whatever you see, whatever comes to mind, anything. This takes the pressure off of yourself when writing, allowing you to enjoy the joy and freedom of the craft.

My week thus far has been rejuvenating, as finding new inspiration for plays while relaxing at the beach seems almost too good to be true. I have never read a play about Fire Island, (if there is one out there, let me know!) Therefore I am intrigued to write a story that takes place here. It is a place that holds so many memories for my family, especially memories of my childhood. Being inspired by a place that is so personal to me is what is pushing me to create a new story for it, whatever that may be. I am also grateful that during the summer months I am taking the time to apply what I have learned in my college courses, as it will only make me a stronger writer for when school begins again. Happy writing!