How is a writer supposed to find inspiration in today’s world? With the pandemic raging and the political upheaval and climate change … how can you keep your muse healthy?
One thing that inspires me is reading. I’ll admit it’s getting harder to find good science fiction or fantasy that inspires me rather than bringing a bout of depression. Today’s dystopian trend isn’t my cuppa but I do try to keep on top of some of the latest stories. I also read mysteries and historical fiction–anything with a well-crafted story.
Another thing I enjoy is listening to music while I write. Right now I’m hooked on SiriusXM’s U2-X-Radio. They play not only U2 but songs the band members find interesting and songs that inspired the band during their long career. They also have interesting shows like “Elevation” (uplifting interviews with world artists and creators) and “Close to the Edge” (Edge interviews his fellow musicians). It’s a good station and I nearly always have it playing softly in the background.
I also like having a movie or TV show on in the background so long as it’s something I’ve seen often enough so I’m not actively paying close attention to what’s going on. Shows like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, old John Wayne Westerns, and older mystery shows like Midsomer Murders or Agatha Christie’s Poirot or Miss Marple work perfectly. I’ve seen all of them over and over so I just let them play the way the radio does: something to combat the silence.
What about you? What inspires you to write? How do you keep your muse healthy?
