Inspiration.
It's both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes inspiration can strike at the most inopportune moments (showering, driving, working), yet when you need it, it's nowhere to be found. How do you find it? Where do you go to encourage your muse to start spinning intricate sentences and plots?
Instagram user @mybookstoredk asked about my inspirations, so here are a few things I draw from to get the creative juices flowing.
Reading: This is likely a no-brainer. The whole reason I write is because I've fallen in love with books and authors. You're supposed to read books in your genre to help motivate you, but sometimes I find reading a poem can spark my creativity. Pick up a book that calls to you. I started reading Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor when I was having trouble writing and editing. Her style struck a chord in me, and within five pages, I felt myself drawn back to my stories.
Music: Music has always played a big role in my life, which is probably why I tend to spin bardic songs. I grew up listening to musicals and movie soundtracks. When I was five, I could tell my mother exactly what was happening in The Little Mermaid instrumental pieces. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hamilton, Cats, Rent...All of these movie or musical soundtracks help spark my muse. I can imagine scenes between my character during certain songs. The emotions imbued by the music encourage me to get into characters' heads or sense their feelings. If you're stuck with writing, take a favorite soundtrack and listen to it. Find the songs that remind you of your characters. Create playlists, so when you get stuck, you can turn to that specific playlist to find inspiration. I have one called "Whispers" that's over an hour-and-a-half long!
Nature: Honestly, going out into nature inspires me. I get away from technology and enjoy the peace around me. No twitter or facebook notifications. My head can sound pretty loud at first, but as I focus on gardening or walking in the woods, getting back to my roots you might say, I create images for my book. That's all I focus on, and nothing else distracts me. Plus, the fresh air is pretty nice for the soul.
Visiting New Locations: Changing scenery can inspire me. I have three writing spots at home (the aviary, my kitchen, my living room). Shifting from one location to another can put me into a better mindset to write. Right now, I'm sitting at a pub working on this entry, listening to the ambiance of music playing, people chatting, and glasses clinking while cars and motorcycles roar past me outside. It's so much different from the silence at my house, or my birds chirping. Going to new cities, parks, restaurants, anything can change your perspective and put you in a different mind to write. If you don't know what to put on paper, then start making a list of the things you see, ear, smell, taste, and feel. It's a great sensory exercise at the very least.
Other Authors: Many people say that the publishing world is competitive, and in a way that's true. But it doesn't have to be. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. One of the best things about being part of a writing community is meeting other writers and sharing in their successes. Celebrating each other is invigorating. When I watch my friends and fellow writers publish their books, that inspires me to work on my own craft! The whole reason I finally decided to publish The Purple Door District is because my friend Alexandra Penn had the courage to put her heart and soul in print with her series The Letter Mage. I wanted to be brave like her and feel joy and satisfaction at finally putting a book out there. Not to mention I have a story all about community to share. Don't see other authors as your competition, but rather as friends, mentors, and inspirations.
These are just a few things that spark my muse. What things inspire you? Feel free to share them, and any topics you'd like me to write about, below!
Happy writing!