Idea Generation and Development

Hey all, I was wondering what process(es) work best for you for story idea generation and development. What I mean by that is, when (and how) do you get ideas for stories, and then how do you go about developing them. I find myself coming up with great ideas for opening scenes all the time, but then have no idea where to go from there. And when I sit and try to force something out . . well, bad things happen and I have to wash my pants.

So, if you don't mind sharing, what has worked for you in the past? Do story ideas come to you out of the blue? Or can you methodically generate them at will? Or is it a hybrid?

This Just In!

I hate you all.

Chime in on Chapters

Do you guys have a general preference for chapter headings? Do you like titles or prefer the bare bones numbering?

I remember the Dragon Lance books being horrible with their chapter names because they just told you what was about to happen. "Chapter 11: Raistlin's Betrays The Party"

In tenth grade I was all about the roman numeral's for chapters, but I think I'm over that now. It doesn't annoy me or anything, I've just come to really hate any and all things roman.

Rollin' rollin' rollin

Hello people!

I dunno what you guys are up to besides the general facts--working, pregnancy, being a dick, etc, but I figure one of the things writers have to deal with is the fact that the creative process continues weather or not we want it to. For me, that means dividing my creative time--I'm not working but I am the stay at home parent (and if anyone can convince my five year old I'm something other than his big hairy toy there's a cash reward in it for you) and, as near as I can tell, my wife hates me and all writers and has nothing but contempt for the craft--so it can be tricky deal.

I like talking about writing, so I was wondering how you guys handle the demands of writing. I like to work on shorter stories while working on a main story. I've done that before but this time I am more committed to my main story.