Today I was meandering down the aisles of my local bookstore, grabbing random mass market paperbacks that looked interesting (mostly in the sci-fi and mystery sections) and reading the descriptions on the backs. And it occurred to me that this was an excellent way to get inspired for coming up with your own story ideas.

I’m not suggesting copying another author’s idea. Rather, I’m suggesting reading those plot descriptions as a way to get your creative juices flowing. Think about it: All those different plots, characters, setting, scenarios and even basic ideas – it’s almost impossible to read the backs of a few interesting-looking paperbacks and not feel inspired.

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The biggest news of the week, in my own little world at least, was Amazon’s purchase of Lexcycle – the makers of the popular Stanza ebook reading app. Considering all the blog coverage of the news out there, I decided to devote the bottom chunk of links to a sampling of posts I thought had an interesting take on the Lexcycle acquisition.

That said, it is Friday! And like I say every week, have a happy and safe weekend.

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