Author Amy Spalding is your Camp Counselor for the last week in April, and brings you this week's Camp Care Packages:

If you’re stuck, think about the last story you loved. It doesn’t have to be a novel; it could be a musical, your favorite TV series, even a commercial that moved you to tears (look, it happens). Think of the joy or the sadness or the side-splitting laughter that creative work gives you. Maybe that’s the thing to infuse into your work. Inspiration can come from all over, and I bet if something moves you, that’s a feeling that others are looking for too.

What's up at Camp?

• Got writer's block? Try our brand-new NaNoWriMo “Are You Stuck?” Flowchart! 
  

• Join our last Virtual Write-In of the month this Wednesday, April 25, at 1 PM PDT (Your Time Zone).
  
  
• Winner Buttons are now available to order! If you know you’re on track to complete your goal, or just want a little extra incentive to keep pushing through, use this winner button as a shining beacon of triumph.
  
  

Today's Writing Dare

Take inspiration from an unlikely source today: a song you just heard on the radio, a commercial you just watched, a TV show you just streamed. Take a problem or a character or a line of dialogue or a unique image and fit it into your story somehow. Don't just copy - twist it so it somehow fits your story's reality! For example, I've been watching Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, so I think one of my characters is going to suddenly burst into song...

Amy Spalding grew up in St. Louis, but now lives in the better weather of Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University, and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. By day, she manages the digital media team for an indie film advertising agency. By later day and night, Amy writes, performs, and pets as many cats as she can. She is the author of five young adult novels, including her latest, The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles). 

(Author photo: Robyn Von Swank)