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National Park Provides Writing Inspiration

June 19, 2016 By Author John Leave a Comment

Inspired to Write

Writing Inspiration from Bryce Hoodoos

Fishing and the Hoodoos

FishingI am on a fishing trip in Southern Utah. Hmm. The fishing has been lousy, but at least I did not get skunked. The first four “great fly fishing creeks” were a bust, either lack of access or over fished (creek banks well trampled). Well that is my excuse. But I did finally find a stretch of river worth fishing—nine browns between 12 and 14 inches. Not bad considering the brush and strong winds.

Natural BridgeBut what does fishing have to do with hoodoos? Well the fishing was what brought me past the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. After a morning of fishing I decided to stop by and visit the hoodoos. I drove up to Natural Bridge, and WOW! There was a parking place!

A Hoodoo Mind-Tale

Natural Bridge forms a large doorway down into the canyon, a doorway for the march of the hoodoos. The march takes place in the dead of night when no one is watching, while in the light of day hoodoos stand guard near the opening. I guess they are there to make sure no humans enter the realm of mind-warp beyond.

Queen and CourtAt another viewpoint I see a hoodoo that looks like a queen. The other hoodoos must fear her for she stands head and foot above them. In fact others appear to be cloistered as if conspiring for her downfall. Good luck, fellas! A heavy set hoodoo stands nearby, watching—perhaps wondering what the hoodoo conclave are up to. But not far away the queen’s vast hoodoo army stands ready to intervene in her behalf. Yes, those cloistered hoodoos had best fear their own downfall.

Inspired to Write

HoodoosWell, as you can see, the extraordinary canyon does stimulate the imagination, creating the potential of story. I wonder how many stories the Maker of the canyon has observed over the years, from the story of the people who originally discovered the land of the hoodoos to the stories of people who have visited the canyon over the years. And there is the Maker’s story, the story of the creation of the canyon. Wow!

Writing Son of CainUltimately the Maker’s story in relation to man is a story of grace. The landscape of Bryce Canyon is the backdrop for my pre-Genesis flood era novella, Son of Cain. In fact, a number of years ago I was inspired to write the novella while gazing upon the incredible canyon-scape. And I took the cover picture—Natural Bridge—while on one of my previous visit to Bryce. And of course, I added my trademark fantasy swirl to the picture. Son of Cain is an extraordinary story of man’s self-willed wretchedness and God’s amazing grace.

A lady I met at a writer’s conference back in the 90s, Sandy Dengler, wrote several mysteries, each taking place in a different National Park. What National Park has inspired you to write a story? Of course, you first have to visit a National Park before it can inspire you. Take the drive, enjoy the park, and write a story. What do you think?

Filed Under: Author Blog Tagged With: inspired to write, natural bridge, Son of Cain, story of grace, the Maker's story, writing inspiration

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John Edgell, Author

John has experience as a school teacher, a pastor, and has been a writer of stories since his two sons were knee high to a gnome.

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