Finding Inspiration

Originally posted at Julia Rachel Barrett's June 14, 2011.

Inspiration, the muse, etc. certainly has a way of springing ideas when we’re not expecting them. It’s a powerful thing to be pounced on by an idea for a new book or to have something just click together within the story you’re working on. The only problem is that those times aren’t regular or predictable. So what do you do when you have to figure something out and you don’t have the luxury of waiting for the muse?

For me, I sometimes find my way through music. I love listening to it. Pandora Radio has been what I write to for the past few years. I’ve found so much awesome music on there I never would have found out about without it. Songs tend to spark ideas for me.

I also love movies and television. Occasionally those are a good way for things to fall into place in your head. I had a scene in Techno Crazed where I wasn’t sure if I was doing things right. I watched an episode of the show Criminal Minds, and it confirmed that I was on the right track in my head.

Another way is I find ideas is brainstorming with my husband and/or critique partner, Kinley Baker. I throwing around things with them since they always come up with awesome suggestions. Sometimes I might not use what they said, but something they mention could jog me to go in a direction I hadn’t thought of.

So, how do you hunt down your inspiration?