It's Friday. Finally! Whew, that took way too long. Did ya know it snowed this week. Yeah. So that about sums up how I feel about that. On to more happy non-snowy topics.
Motivation.
It comes, it goes, it stays. For me? Real and true motivation happens about as often as the sun shines in Michigan. I'm kidding. Sort of. Well, I, like so many others, need a push every once in a while. When I read a good book or see a great movie it happens more. Recently, I've been in a book coma with every novel Jennifer Echols has written. Yes, I get a little obsessed. Big surprise. She writes great romance, so vivid and real. I flew through her books and am eagerly awaiting the next one in July! Yes, the title of this post is a shout-out to Adam from Echols' The Boys Next Door *swoon*
I'm going to go ahead and admit something.
I am not a romantic writer. My characters are snarky and have attitudes. They are not romantic. So reading Jennifer's books really helped me see the distinction. Now, I feel like I could write snarky romantic characters at least. It [word of the day] MOTIVATED *scream real loud Pee Wee* me! I was like, Oh, I can use this in my story!
This happens when I watch a good show or movie. I pick up little tid-bits I can use. No, no, not ACTUAL dialogue or scenes, just feelings that spark my own ideas. I'm sure this happens to you, too.
Things that motivate me (in no particular order)
Music, a good conversation, talking with other writers. Food Network (don't laugh), Playing my guitar, driving. Basically anything that can get me thinking. My mind is always creating new characters and storylines. I was talking to a guy I work with recently and somehow we got on a subject of stem cells and what they would do to a body if injected. I was like *ding* story idea!
I know. I'm strange.
What about you? What motivates you?
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Hey Erica, I get motivated by washing dishes. I have time to just think as I wash the dishes because my mind is free. When I finish washing dishes I always have some little tidbit to write about. I get inspired in the shower too.
ReplyDeleteWhen I could drive I got lots of inspiration driving and it motivated me to find things to write about. People watching does the same thing for me. Sometimes I feel like a voyeur but I get motivated and inspired by being aware of my surroundings and the people around me.
Ardee-ann
Awesome! Yes, I get them in the shower too, forgot that one ;o) It's great that you have so many ideas, that won't ever be a problem! We are all a little voyeuristic aren't we?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Erica! Music for sure, and talking with other writers who get my work!
ReplyDeleteThe shower's definitely a big one, but I get the best ideas RIGHT before I fall asleep (most annoying thing ever - I have to keep a pen and notebook by the bed for these times). I wish I could train my brain otherwise, but alas, I think I'll be a partial-insomniac for life!
ReplyDeleteDi, Music is the best motivator!! Thanks, hon.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, YES, right before bed. I do that one too. I email myself from my phone! LOL I'm with you. I think it's part of the job to be a partial-insomniac. Can't lose that great idea at 3 in the morning!
I'd say that happens to me while cleaning. I'm constantly stopping to take notes. All the pauses can be a bugger when I have to get the house clean fast. Great post, Erica! ;D
ReplyDeleteGosh, I don't know what motivates me, other than an idea that pops into my head and won't let go until I write it down. Those ideas can get pretty insistent. ;)
ReplyDeleteNice post!
B- Oh I can't say that, I'd have to clean more often. Ha. You didn't see that. Whatever you're doing is working!! <3
ReplyDeletelbdiamond- That'll do it for sure!! Ideas are always a great motivator ;o)