Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Getting in touch with your muse

My mom made me a wall hanging from a Mary Englebreit picture which says, "Inspiration is the act of pulling up a chair to the writing desk." I like that.

Here are some random thoughts of mine on getting inspired to write:

Music: I like to listen to music while I write. Some songs inspire emotions that I want to capture in a story.For instance, my short story "Ripped" was inspired by the melencholy homesick feeling of the song, Five Hundred Miles. (If you miss the train I'm on/You will know that I am gone./You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.)

Daydreaming: Heck, I love to daydream. It also helps me get to sleep at night.

Reading: Reading really great writing makes me want to do some of my own. Reading really crappy writing makes me think, "Hey, I can do better than that." Reading non-fiction often gives me story ideas, too.

I'll add more when I think of some.

I'd love to hear what inspires you guys!

7 comments:

tiffany said...

you inspire me. thanks i love you


by the way the letters i have to type in to post this comment are "haters" i think that is funny

Linz said...

You inspire me too!!

I am also inspired by music! It really is the language of the soul! I am also inspired by the silly happenings all around me. I love all things ridiculous!

Linz said...

Hey Angie - Auri just told me that she was making up a story for you, (Aunt Ang) because you love stories! She loves you! Thanks for being a great example to me, and my children, to be creative!

Angie said...

Ah, that's so sweet! I can't wait to hear the story she is making up for me. Tell her, I love her, too.

Angie

Larry and Cindy said...

Hey Angie, I loved your getting in touch post. What inspires me? My Family (all of you) the Gospel, Music, talented people like you!Going to the Temple, sewing, being close to my family. Know that God loves all of us so very much!!! Being called to be Compassionate Service Leader, (I was sustaned and set apart today) No more primary for me but I love all those kids and primary worker so so so much! I will miss them so much! I guess it's my time to move on to other service. Love Ya A&F, MOM

Janay said...

Recently, I was wondering,"What if **** (whose picture is in my locket) could sense my emotions through my locket?" And from thence came The Objects trilogy, which I haven't actually finished writing yet. 'What if' questions inspire me the most.

Angie said...

Ah, yes. "What if" questions are the best! That's how my novel started, too. Janay, I would love to read your trilogy when you are finished.