When Sharon Page was at the manor this week, the discussion turned to how writers become inspired to write. Many things influence us, from music, to movies. I'm no exception. (Currently Broken by Seether with Amy Lee is playing on my 'Sinful' soundtrack) Check out the song on Youtube and listen to the lyrics~So Wallingford!
As I'm writing Sinful, I'm also writing the first book of the Annwyn Chronicles, entitled Velvet Haven. The series is based on Celtic/Druid folklore and mythology. I know quite a bit about the Celts but no so much about their religion, or religious leaders, the Druids. I knew I needed to research it. I'm also at a point in the book where I need to start introducing a shady character, known simply as the Destroyer.(I'm currently looking for a cooler name for this character, so if the muse strikes you, suggest away!) This character will grow over the books and he has the ability to either be good or bad. (I'm so into the Annakin Skywalker/Darth Vadar paradox) And this Destroyer is very much like that sort of character. His master is known as the Soul Stealer, and he is of course, the apprentice. Their power is not the force, but necromancy, or black magic.
So, last night I was googling druids and black magic and necromancy and came across some fascintating tales but most inspiring were a few pictures. Looking at these pictures sparked a new path that I know I must explore in this character's evolution.
And that's the muse. With one glance, one word, she can start working and showing you the path. I had never thought of taking this character down such a path, or this scene that I wrote. I never would have imagined how something so vivid could be gleaned from looking at pictures. What's particularly interesting is that my muse was inspired by someone else's muse. The inspiration of the person or persons who created these images. Their medium is art, mine is the writen word. Yet the imagination muse flowed both ways.
Kind of fascintating, isn't it, now the muse can carry over into other dimensions. In the immortal words of the very wise and ultra sexy Captain Jack Sparrow...'it's a funny 'ol world, aint it?'
So, what has recently inspired you to be creative?
17 comments:
Wow, those are some pictures. Destroyer isn't such a bad name by the way. I kinda like it.
My latest inspiration isn't as dramatic or interesting as yours however, lol. Mine was actually an underwear ad David Beckham did where he's reclining back with this fierce look on his face. Hey, call me shallow, I don't care, lol!!!
I know the one you're talking about!!!! And man, you'd have to be a corpse not to be inspired by THAT!!!!
I was also inspired this morning by the sunrise and the sight of a robin in my backyard to hang a spring wreath on my front door!
See, inspiration comes in so many different ways. But damn...David Beckham???? Grrrr
I know!! Sigh...OMG, HAWT!! Yes, his bod is smokin' but it was actually the look on his face in the picture that had inspired me, lol.
It's a funny 'ol world indeed.
Yesterday morning I felt like my muse (who comes off very masculine and usually hijacks the soul of which ever hero I'm writing) took an overly long coffee break. I was on my own, fending for myself. That's always hard. However, I sat my bottom down and dove into my manuscript. The second things heated-up, my muse slid on up, snuggled close, and began whispering in my ear. I ended up writing over 1700 words yesterday.
I'll be opening my manuscript again in about a 1/2 hour - may my luscious muse inspire me the same way he did yesterday.
XO
G.
Oh, Genella, can I borrow you muse? I promise I'll treat him right!!!
I have a 5000 word committment today. Blech.
Congrats on your discipline and for getting in a good word count. Some days it's like pulling teeth, isn't it?
At first glance, I thought that top pic was Darth Vader.....
Oh, I gotta thing (major) for Darth Vadar/Annakin. I've been enthralled with his character since I was seven. It's the geekin me, I'm afraid! lol!
what inspire me? My ideas of late has been pretty odd.. My recent muse took form when I happen to see an old fasion castle door keyhole and it went from there. *laughs to self*
I also get alot of ideas from costumes and male models ;D
Charlotte! 5000 word count - in one day?? Holy smokin' keyboard, Batman!
The most I've ever done is 2500 while writing the "The Trouser Game" and inbetween doing things at work.
Girl, get your booty off the 'net & get writing!
(((HUGS)))
G.
It's funny that you mentioned Darth Vader, because that first picture *totally* made me think of Vader....
You know how I *love* me some Anakin....
OH, I know! Mmmmmm.
We really have to chat about that workshop, you know!
Ranearia, I have a feeling that others might just be inspired as you with that keyhole...Kristi who is the LIT tech wizard will probably have something to do with that!
Sounds like you've got a pretty cool muse there Charlotte. I'm lovin' the whole druids/celts thing. It certainly isn't common in the paranormal genre what with glutton of vampires and werewolves. Don't get me wrong, I'm a hussy for each. But I also like to spice up TBR pile sometimes and Annwyn is sounding already like my kind series. :)
Thanks VFG!!!!! I'm hoping it's going to have good response.
I like the world, and its dark and sexy. I'm researching as we speak about the Druid belief surrounding death/sex dark magic....
The muse does indeed take me to strange places! lol!
Rane, I can completely understand the inspiration of the keyhole. I admit to looking for the unusual . I suspect that shows if you go back and look at all the books Ive written (ah yes, I had a another name once!)
I think inspiration surrounds us all the time, in small ways and big, in mnay forms--but its when we take the time to notice --and connect to them, that we are so delighted and amazed;)
Amanda
Barb, David Beckham in anything, with any expression is totally inspiring...as to what I cannot say here..but defintely inspiring!;)
Amanda
I forgot to answer the question....what recently inspired me to be creative? A deadline. Sad, but true. Sometimes you just gotta force the muse to cooperate.
So true, Kristi. Sometimes you have to chain that muse to the dungeon wall and say "Come on now! We've got to get this right!"
That's about revision time for me ;)
Amanda
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