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

If you get feedback that you disagree with, it’s OK to disregard it. But I often try to figure out why that person gave me that feedback. Maybe they tell you it’d be cool if there were a big explosion in the story, and that sounds bananas to you. But they might be getting at the fact that nothing big or exciting happens. I bet there’s a big or exciting thing you could write about that isn’t an explosion and would have lots to do with your story. I even do this with my own bad ideas!

What's up at Camp?

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

• Want to keep writing this May? Join our How to Write Short Stories webcast next Thursday, May 3 at 10 AM PDT, or watch the archived video later. 
  
  
• 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)