When Inspiration Strikes...
So, if there is one thing that I've learned about being a writer--well, it's that inspiration can and will strike anywhere, and anytime.
On Friday night, I went to see the new Hellboy 2 movie--by the time the previews were over, I had four different novel ideas floating around in my head. Sometimes, it just takes an image to inspire me. A scene shot that captures my imagination. Or, in the case of the Babylon A.D. preview that I watched--it just took the deep rumble of Vin Diesel's voice to spark an idea.
And I love getting story ideas--don't get me wrong. I just wish those ideas would come to me at a more convenient time. Like, oh, when I had a piece of paper and a pen handy.
As long as the ideas stay with me until I get to my computer, I'm fine. I have my handy-dandy "Idea File" that I can log 'em in. I started my Idea File years ago. Back when I realized I had plenty of ideas, but not necessarily enough time to turn all of those ideas into stories. So, I started logging them in the file. Gotta say--the file is a great way to beat writer's block. If one story isn't working for me, I can open the file and give my mind a break by working on something completely different.
Ah, the joy of writing.
But, since I've just rambled on about my inspiration, I'd love to know...what inspires you?
I hope everyone has a great week! Happy Monday!
On Friday night, I went to see the new Hellboy 2 movie--by the time the previews were over, I had four different novel ideas floating around in my head. Sometimes, it just takes an image to inspire me. A scene shot that captures my imagination. Or, in the case of the Babylon A.D. preview that I watched--it just took the deep rumble of Vin Diesel's voice to spark an idea.
And I love getting story ideas--don't get me wrong. I just wish those ideas would come to me at a more convenient time. Like, oh, when I had a piece of paper and a pen handy.
As long as the ideas stay with me until I get to my computer, I'm fine. I have my handy-dandy "Idea File" that I can log 'em in. I started my Idea File years ago. Back when I realized I had plenty of ideas, but not necessarily enough time to turn all of those ideas into stories. So, I started logging them in the file. Gotta say--the file is a great way to beat writer's block. If one story isn't working for me, I can open the file and give my mind a break by working on something completely different.
Ah, the joy of writing.
But, since I've just rambled on about my inspiration, I'd love to know...what inspires you?
I hope everyone has a great week! Happy Monday!
posted by Cynthia Eden at 6:00 AM
12 Comments:
Or, in the case of the Babylon A.D. preview that I watched--it just took the deep rumble of Vin Diesel's voice to spark an idea.
Ah yeah. I am going to see that movie just because I miss that gravelly growl of his.
What inspires me? Hmmm...besides chocolate and ice cream? Hehe. I don't know. Inspiration strikes me at the oddest times. In the shower or bath quite often that I know keep a pen and pad in my bathroom.
Was Prince Nuada lovely? He was my favorite part of the movie.
It is amazing at what will bring on inspiration. I love the whole idea file....I have one stuffed full of things. Have you ever just wanted to grab a fave authors and take a peek at their idea file..just to see how their mind works? I can't imagine what some of them would look like! I find it amazing at what the imagination can dream up and how a few well chosen words can paint that world for people. Especially since most humans are such "concrete" entities...you know the kind that has to touch it to believe in it.
Hi, Emma! Oh, yes, I did enjoy that Prince. :-) And you know what? chocolate always inspires me!
Hey, turbuhlence! I have wondered about other authors--I'm always so curious about the way different people dream up their stories--then then turn into reality (or, kinda reality anyway) on those typed pages.
I have no idea. Well bad boys, and damsels in distress obviously, but just about anything can trigger it. Then sometimes I'll go weeks or months at a time with no new ideas. And that's okay too. I have one of those file thingies also. Except mine is a big journal.
My idea file is a notebook I lug around in my purse.
It's chock full of cryptic little notes to myself.
I want to take a peek at lots of famous author's idea files!
A step-relative was having a meltdown the other day, talking about some pretty bad things from her childhood. Even as I was tearing up for her, I'm thinking "This would make a great backstory for a character."
I have a Future Idea File. I didn't put that in it, though. No need. That will stay in my mind for when I need that character.
Ah, Zoe, I bet I can instantly name one bad boy who inspires you--name begins with the letter S...LOL.
Hi, Ericka! I think I need to start keeping a notebook in my purse like you do--then, later, I can transfer it in with the other info on my laptop. Sure would help me to stop forgetting my ideas!!
Edie, lady, you are too funny--I bet I would have been thinking the same thing! Isn't it strange how writers can almost divorce themselves from a situation and see it as a character moment?
Cynthia - I just started Hotter After Midnight last night. I stayed up to late last night reading it. I was late for work this morning.
Anyway - what inspires me, great books, strong secondary characters, music, pretty days, long drives, rainy days. Does that make any sense
Hahaha Cynthia, he's not the only one. Though he's gotten to be almost a litmus test now. Every bad boy I like I like in relation to how much like Spike he is. Which is so sad. But I really liked Hellboy too, and he wasn't overly Spike-like except for the demon part.
Hi, Greta! Yes, your answer definitely makes sense! And sorry you were late for work!
Zoe--When I saw the preview for Babylon AD (with good old Vin), I thought of you--his character in that movie is a killer, and as such, most definitely in the bad boy category.
heh Cindy, another movie I'll have to see. I can pretty much count on if either you or Spy think I'll like the guy...I'll like the guy. :P
Oh and your book arrived today, squee!
Hi Cynthia, inspiration strikes at the strangest times, doesn't it? Lately, I've been getting hit with stuff while I'm trying to fall asleep. :)
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