Authors are frequently asked, What inspires you?
It’s a very personal question, one with as many different answers as there are authors. And often a very complex answer. A single thing does not bring about the drive to write and finish that manuscript. I have inspiration for the initial spark of a story. Another to actually write it. Another to strive to complete it, and yet another to brave cruel rejection and put it out for the world to see.
For that initial spark, most of my inspiration comes from mythology, folklore, and urban legend. I enjoy retelling old tales in a new way. Comic books, movies, and books also feed my imagination. They encourage me to take a single idea and expand it into a new universe, an alternate history, or a fantasy realm - to think about a familiar concept in a new configuration.
The community of authors across the interwebs fuel my confidence and ambition.
Close personal friend and fellow author R. Judas Brown is an invaluable sounding board, helping me to formulate basic premises into full-blown novels. He also provides tons of positive reinforcement, pushing me to believe in my ability to weave fantastic tales.
My Bestie Forever KW, who has been my ride or die since we were 14, has done amazing at keeping me focused and improving my writing style. She keeps me bolstered and focused on working towards one goal – to be awesome.
It’s not just people I know who inspire me, but those I’ll never meet, too. There’s hundreds of authors on social media, right now and in the past, providing entertaining and educational content.
Vivien Reis is a self-published author with a friendly demeanor and concise information. I enjoyed the personal touch of her videos, but also value her writing advice. Not everything she talks about will apply, but she presented it well and in such a way I could easily twist it to suit my needs. She rarely produces content these days, but is still actively working on her novels.
Sarra Cannon has more than 25 books under her belt and I admire her drive to continue writing even when she’s having a bad day. Her videos have a fun overtone and I appreciate the realistic glimpses into what it’s really like to be a full-time author.
Gabe at BookishPixie has straightforward advice, quick and to the point. His tips are wonderful starting points to learning exactly where your focus should be and how to get there.
I keep writing, even if it’s slow going, even if I’m weighed down with imposter syndrome. The stories in my head demand to be written. The community around me not only assures me it can be done, but helps to hone my talent along the way and to always continue evolving my style and skill. I want to get my work out there. I have gotten my work out there. I am inspired to keep doing so.
Until next time, Stay Magical!
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