WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

Alice Walker, Ntozake Shange, and Langston Hughes, were all inspired by spirituals, jazz, and blues. 

These writers understood that music opens up pathways to creative thinking, that can help us weave together thoughts and ideas. 

We already know that music inspires creativity––especially creative writing

 

This is a bit odd but I find Christmas music to be very inspiring for my writing, 

especially old Christmas songs from the 40s and 50s.

 I think we tend to think of the holidays, especially Christmas, as a time of joy and happiness.

 But, the reality is the holidays can be a very lonely and sad time for many people.

Of course, soundtracks

also play a big part 

in my writing.

John Steinbeck in 1909 

at the Salinas Fairgrounds.

with his sister Mary, 

sitting on the red pony, Jill,

 whom he made famous in his novel. 

A wild ride through the Swiss Alps long ago

inspired me to write a section in my troublesome, writer-blocked novel, NO RESHOOTS FOR DEATH.

An actual fiasco, Exercise Tiger, a rehearsal for D-Day in which 1000 soldiers were killed --

many by friendly fire, mismanagement,

as well as by Nazi E-Boats --

inspired me to write a chapter in my latest WIP

SAME AS IT NEVER WAS

Sometimes the worst enemies

in war are those who command 

without regard for the troops

under them

and

Cover-Up  

masks unmarked graves

(like the many from

Exercise Tiger.) 

What has inspired you to write lately?

Is love involved?

Tell me.

I'd like to know.