Indie Book Collective discussion

Hi all!

I'm just curious: what is it that inspires you to write? In workshops, websites and whatnot, I've heard several responses to that question but I thought it'd be beneficial to hear even more. Never know when a different technique could be needed.

I feel like I draw inspiration from all over the place-- film, music, news coverage, scientific text, people-watching, etc. What I'm finding I don't draw inspiration from is literature, which is strange (and probably the driving force behind my curiosity). I do, however, continue to read a vast amount of literature for research purposes-- really examining the way these stories are put together. But reading a renowned novel doesn't seem to spark much for me anymore.

Is anyone in the same boat?


-Garrett

Hi Garret,
I understand what you're saying. It takes a lot more to inspire me than used to. Even so, I feel like I must write, so it gets frustrating. I feel like an artist and sitting in front of me is a stone block. I slowly chip away. This is how's it's going with the novel I'm working on. It's sooooo slow. I'd be interested in some inspiration as well.

Robbi Sommers Bryant

Robbi,

Thanks for the reply! Wouldn't it be nice if longer works just wrote themselves? Well, not all the time-- I often find the physical writing of the work(s) to be therapeutic but, yes, it can definitely drive you near madness with the tediousness of it.

I'm currently struggling to find motivation simply because, for once, I HAVE the time to write. Not used to that, had grown familiar with doing the day job thing and having a limited amount of time to do what I loved.

What's your current novel about?

I'm writing a psychological suspense about a relationship between a serial killer and a nurse. Ah, young love! lol. What are you working on? Are you on a break from a day job or have you retired from one?

Nice! That sounds interesting! Definitely keep me posted on your progress.

For the past couple weeks I've been revising a collection of poetry that operates as a narrative, similar to Losing Season by Jack Ridl. And, for employment, because I just recently moved back to Michigan from Washington, I've been looking and looking. And looking. Plenty of jobs out there, just don't think they're that interested in Creative Writing majors, unfortunately. So it goes :)

Take advantage of the free time... and write, write, write.