Perk, Perk

My mother still owns an old-style coffee percolator. For a time, I'd wonder if anything was happening. Then, the coffee would perk and show through the glass top. Soon a delicious cup of coffee would be served to our guests.

When an idea captures my attention, I grab it and put it into my mental percolator. Every now and then, I check to see if it's ready. "Hmm, maybe I could write a devotional using this tidbit. How about a short story? Perhaps the idea could be developed into a book."

The idea gets stronger. Perk. As I pound away at the computer, the aroma becomes apparent to everyone in the house. Perk, perk. The story pours out of my printer.

My critique partners, my mother, and eventually an editor sample the finished product. One says, "It's too strong." Another suggests adding cream and sugar. If it passes all the taste tests, it's served to readers.

We've talked about how we snag and retain ideas. Now, let's share a bit on how we process those brainstorms into a written piece. Do you allow them to "percolate" or do you move full steam ahead as soon as you get an idea?