The Rock That Moved Itself — And Inspired a Book

Sometimes, the smallest thing sparks the biggest ideas.

A few years ago, my kids found a painted rock tucked under a bush at a park. On it was a short, handwritten message — something simple but powerful. I don’t remember the exact words, but it was one of those moments that makes you pause. A stranger took the time to paint a message, leave it out in the world, and let fate decide who would find it. That tiny act stayed with me.

Not long after, I had the idea to do something similar, but with a twist that reflects my world: investigation, mystery, and storytelling. I painted a rock and planned to use it as part of a marketing experiment — something like “Find this rock. Use your skills. Win a prize.” A little breadcrumb trail for the curious. A hidden clue that could lead someone into the world of The 918 Files.

And then life happened. The rock sat forgotten.

Fast forward to a month ago. I was cleaning, moving things around the house, and I came across the rock again. I casually set it on the kitchen counter and kept going. Later that night, I walked into the kitchen and saw it sitting there — and I could not remember how it got there.

That moment — standing in my own kitchen, confused by the sudden appearance of something I had moved — is when the idea hit me.

What if a rock just…showed up?In the wrong place. At the wrong time. With a message no one remembers writing?

That moment of confusion became the seed for my latest story. A simple rock became the foundation of a fictional case: CASE 000820PHOENIX — a story about memory, reality, and things that don’t stay where we leave them.

Creativity Is Everywhere — If You’re Willing to Look

Inspiration doesn’t always come from grand places. Sometimes it’s a shadow on the wall, a sound you can’t explain, or a painted rock on your kitchen counter. That’s what I love about writing, about storytelling — it’s not about waiting for ideas to strike. It’s about paying attention when something small catches your eye. It’s about asking why? when no one else does.

That rock might still end up out in the world. Maybe in downtown Gilbert. Maybe in the middle of the desert. Maybe outside a coffee shop. One day, I’ll hide it — and maybe you’ll be the one to find it. There will be a prize, if you follow the clues. But until then, let it be a reminder:Use your surroundings.Create something from nothing.And don’t ignore the weird stuff — lean into it.

You never know what story is trying to find you.

— Jason Cvancara

Author of The 918 Files, owner of Zona Investigations & Zona Coffee Company

#BrainNeverShutsOff