Writing a novel in a month is, let me tell you, quite a journey. But no matter what projects you’re working on right now, you probably look for inspiration in other areas of your life. Everyone has their go-to music, or books, or TV shows when they’re looking to be inspired. Hopefully they change over time, and you find new things to motivate and/or relax you.
What, you don’t think relaxation and distraction are a part of the creative process? For me, they’re essential.
So, while I’m working on my newest novel, with the working title Patterns In the Void, here’s a list of some ways I’m finding inspiration.
What I’m listening to:
Shakey Graves “Dearly Departed” (featuring Esme Patterson). I’ve been hearing this tune on the radio and I absolutely love it! I didn’t even realize until just now, when I was looking for links to it, that the performers are so freaking adorable. Wow. Awesome.
Bat for Lashes, Two Suns. The whole album (apparently everything really is available on YouTube). Quester put the CD on one day when I was writing, and it just fits my story so well. So atmospheric -and creepy-in-a-good-way.
Radio Paradise. I enjoy hearing tunes I’ve never heard before mixed with classic stuff and obscure stuff and new releases and different genres. This is always a great mix.
What I’m reading:
Maeve Binchy, Chestnut Street. This is a collection of poignant, funny, and touching short stories, published after the author’s death. Her character-building is fantastic. She can give you a complex picture of a human being in just a few short pages. Really impressive.
Joel Zaslofsky, Experience Curating: How to Gain Focus, Increase Influence, and Simplify Your Life. I can’t possibly begin to explain this book. It’s lighting me up, though. Apparently I’m already a curator, and now I want to upgrade my systems. If you want to know what the heck this is about before getting the book, listen to this interview.
Alice Grove. It’s a new web comic by Jeph Jacques. Quester gets credit for this one, too. I’m not usually much of an online comic reader, but this is great.
What I’m watching:
SpiritScience. You know how I mentioned my novel has the word “patterns” in the title? Yep, sacred geometry plays a part in the tale. This series, SpiritScience, is not only hugely educational, but also fun to watch, thought-provoking, and inspiring. And I’m not normally much of a video-watcher, so that’s saying something.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Sci-fi, superheroes, and Joss Whedon? I can’t resist. I love the storytelling here as much as the cool powers and alien artifacts. It rocks.
Doctor Who. Believe it or not, I’m a new viewer. I’m only on season 2 (of the modern incarnation of the show). So no spoilers, please! You know who you are.
Extra credit:
My friend Brigid posted a cool question on her blog, and it intrigued me.
Her question: “The scene, an empty stage. The spotlight shines on you and you cannot see the audience. You are wearing a red sequined dress standing before a microphone. What song do you sing?”
After giving it some thought, my answer is “Mystery” by the Indigo Girls. I’m not really sure why – but perhaps it will tell you something about me.
Your turn! What are you enjoying for inspiration these days? Please share with us. I, for one, am always looking for new things to inspire me. Blessings!
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