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About The Story Ideas Virtuoso
Who is Deb Gallardo and Why Should You Care?
Deb Gallardo is The Story Ideas Virtuoso, bringing you quality information you can trust on everything related to finding story ideas, overcoming writer’s block, learning through creative writing exercises, tips, advice & the occasional writing prompt, plus encouragement and inspiration for when you need a writing “pick me up.”
Deb is a published author for adults and children, a lifelong educator and an accomplished performer in concert and on stage. She began writing for publication in 1983. Now, all that she has learned in more than 20 years of honing her craft she brings to you here at The Story Ideas Virtuoso blog. She also offers the best of what other writers have to say on story ideas and writer’s block, as well as video and print news items she feels would be of interest to you as a writer.
Why the Term “Virtuoso?”
Some marketers have styled themselves as “Queen of ____” or “The ____ Diva.” I’m too old to be called “Princess” 
and “Empress” or “Goddess” just isn’t anything I’ve ever aspired to.
Then it hit me. (Well, actually I hit myself by slapping my forehead with a resounding “Duh!”) I’m a musician. Top musicians are called virtuosos. And, thus, “The Story Ideas Virtuoso” brand was born.
Yes, I dubbed myself that, so if you don’t think I deserve the title, all I ask it that you don’t spread that around too much. 
How Did “The Story Ideas Virtuoso” Come About?
I tell a lot of my personal journey of arriving at this point in my business in this revealing post: Confessions of an Internet Marketing Wannabe. It chronicles my struggles, frustrations and a cry for help in the fall of 2007 in a cross-blog conversation with marketer extraordinaire, Lynn Terry. My heart-felt plea touched Lynn on many levels, and she has since become my mentor and my friend, along with being my biggest supporter (and cheerleader when I need it). I would not be where I am today without her.
Why Story Ideas?
I’ll answer that question with another question: Do you know of any writers who, at least from time to time, DO NOT need a fresh infusion of story inspiration? I don’t know of a single one. We all need to be inspired sometimes. Whether it’s something to prime the pump to get us started writing, or getting over a dry spot in an ongoing work, story ideas are essential for every one of us. Anyone who says they never lack for story ideas is exaggerating, believe me.
But there’s another reason why this blog is about story ideas.
Query: What’s the #1 question asked of published authors?”
Response: “Where do you get your ideas?”
Query: How many Americans say they want to write a book someday?
Response: A USA Today survey says 82%
Of this 82%, many of them the same people who ask, “Where do you get your ideas?” — are, IMHO, really asking:“Where can I find story ideas?”
I’m glad you asked because…
- If you’re looking for story ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
- If you need writing tips or advice, I’m your maven.
- If you’re hoping to find creative writing exercises, I’ve got them.
- If you’re interested in learning how to market your writing, check out my archives!
- If you’re considering writing an ebook, I’ve got you covered there, too.
- If you’re in need of inspiration, breathe easy – you’ll find inspiration in abundance.
Get started now. Return to The Story Ideas Virtuoso at debgallardo.com and browse/search the archives. There’s loads of inspiration here — too much to read in one visit, so come back often.
When you’re done here, head over to http://www.findstoryideas.com/bailout.html for my temporarily reduced-in-price 50-page guide “Story Ideas – Inside Your Newspaper.” (opens in new window so you don’t lose your place) I’m trying to do my part in these tough economic times. Catch the low-low price before I come to my senses.
You can also download a free chapter from my next book “Story Ideas – The Calendar of Our Lives” at Story Ideas from Winter and December Holidays
And be sure to check out my list of recommended sites.
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