People who've read or heard my children's stories and short fairytales, often ask where my ideas for these stories come from. They'll ask the source or sources of my inspiration for the plots, and whether or not I begin with an idea of the moral or lesson I want the story to teach. In attempting to answer their questions, I've had to reflect on and describe a creative process, which has always come as naturally to me as breathing. Even as a child I made up stories first for my younger brother, then later for my children. My most recent stories originated in response to a request from my granddaughter.

While visiting my daughter, three years ago, my granddaughter happened to ask her mother to tell her a story. To which my daughter replied, " ask Amma. She tells the best stories." And thus, my most recent foray into creating short fairy tales and stories for children began. Because she had as many toys as their small house could hold, for Christmas, I gave her a book of four of the stories I'd told her, with blank pages and colored pens so she could add her own illustrations.

As for how I invent these stories: Sometimes the subject of the story or short fairy tale is in response to a child asking for a story about a given character or characters. Other-times it's in response to a request for a given kind of story; such as a scary story, silly story, or an adventure. A child may ask for the type of story he or she wants to hear as well as picking the story's subject. My granddaughter, who seems to identify with Goldilocks, often asks for an adventure story about her.

These are a few methods I've used when creating a story: Once a child requests a story, in order to give myself a little extra time while waiting for the story idea, I say, "Let's get cozy and be really quiet for a minute. That way I can listen until the story comes into my head." I then let my eyes become unfocused while still remaining alert. I allow them to drift from one object to another as I scan the contents of my environment. I watch for something to attract my eye.

You will find that as you try this it gets easier and easier to do. If your telling your story outdoors let yourself notice the shape of a cloud, or if a particular tree, rock or flower attracts your attention. If you're inside, do the same with the objects you see in the room's interior. Let your mind be open and relaxed. Slow your thoughts by watching them as they slide into your consciousness like answers in an 8 ball.

Become aware of any images, or thoughts that come to you. For example, if you're outside you might pick up a rock. Examine its shape and colors. Does the texture remind you of anything?. Ask yourself "what does this shape make me think of? Could it be an animal? What kind of being does this make me think of?" You might notice a cloud, or tree, or something else. You can do the same thing with whatever attracts your attention. By paying attention to the thoughts and associations you have with the world around you, you will more easily stimulate your imagination. Let the item you've chosen inform the direction and subject of your story. For example, my story, "The Little Christmas Tree," was triggered when, after Christmas, I glanced around the living room and noticed the Christmas tree. My short fairy tale, "The Bull Headed King," was inspired when I noticed a cube of butter on the kitchen table. Finally, when asked what inspires the moral or lesson of a story, I respond that for me the story's moral is usually a spontaneous outgrowth of the plot.

Once you've allowed the object and type of story to trigger your imagination, the story will flow through you. Like a tap that has been turned on, when you've opened to the storyteller within, you may find your self as well, as your audience spellbound listeners, enchanted by the same magic.