So, today, I was thinking about sources of inspiration. I recently wrote my short story for the Lightening Quick Reads blog that I participate in, and well, I got someone else's voice stuck in my
At least, I'm pretty sure it will! :)
Anyhow, this got me started thinking about where stories come from. For me, they tend to come from songs (Colors Like Memories came from a Linkin Park song), or a scene (the opening of Surrender the Sky was just that horrible opening scene that got into my head I had to write it out), and Radiolab programs (Coincidences, which I'm currently shopping around, came from listening to these crazy, insane coincidences people had had). Anyhow, whatever the source, somehow there was something came along and demanded that I write about it.
Recently I was listening to NPR (yeah, I love RadioLab, which probably says more about my demographics than I comfortable with, but it is still amazing and I learn so much random, cool stuff that I just don't care), and Elizabeth Gilbert was talking. She's the author of Eat, Pray, Love (which, I swear, every time I write, I accidentally type out 'prey', which amuses me to no end). And I just kind of loved what she had to say about the was stories float around and try to find a home. And especially how we have to demand a lot from our "muse" so that they know we're serious. I kind of love this idea!
I'm embedding the radio program here for anyone who's interested, or you can listen here. The Gilbert bit starts around 3:30.
so interesting!! had no idea Colors like Memories was inspired by a Linkin Park song. That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love that your stories came from a song! I once listened to Sail by Awolnation in Seattle (first time I'd heard it) and became obsessed. I started writing an entire world fueled by the emotions the song gave me. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd so sorry I've been a bit MIA. Juggling a demanding job and finishing a novel hasn't been easy. But I'm glad to be back and catching up! I've missed reading your posts!
Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy ideas usually seem to come from nowhere. Lol. Some small thought will pop in my head and a story forms around it. (Or not, some of those nuggets I still like but can't figure out the ways to make it work.)
Songs, when written well, can have that inspiring influence. I've heard of the band, but haven't gotten into the music.
ReplyDeleteStory ideas often come to me at the strangest time...my thoughts start to drift an idea just pops in there. Reading can inspire, as can watching a good movie or TV show that has a scene in it that plants a seed of an idea.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing where ideas for stories come from- so many different places. I know what you mean when you get someone's story inside of you sometimes you have to get it out (that way you aren't crazy, just creative- or that is hat I tell myself). ;) Can't wait to hear about your latest inspirations on the 4th. Also- I love the thought that ideas are ghosts!
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing that your ideas generated from a song. Yes, its hard to keep hold of ideas...you lose some!
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired by many different things. These days I put aside outlines and drafts that don't have a spark, but when an intense idea grips me I'm eager to type it out.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a neat thought about stories. And an answer for the dreaded 'where do you get your ideas' interview question, heh. 'It floated into my head' works pretty well. =)
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