Another Inspiration

I was getting ready for bed just now, thinking about my book and what music I listened to while writing that kept me inspired, when a thought occurred to me that I had to share.  I wrote an entire post on the inspiration of music in my writing and completely left out the most important fact.  So I had to get on and write it out before it slipped my mind again.  My mind gets boggled easily anymore being the mother to a toddler.  (Any mothers out there know what I mean.)

Anyway, what I forgot to mention is this: the entire theme to my novel was inspired by one extremely beautiful and talented singer/songwriter by the name of Christina Perri. Many of you may have heard of her :)

Book Review: The Lost Symbol

Ok, so seeing as I am 'writing' a lot about writing and what inspired me to write, I thought I should start sharing some other amazing books that have influenced me as a person and a writer.  Wow, there was a lot of 'write' in many forms in that last sentence :p

My first recommendation The Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown.  Now most of you may know who Dan Brown is, and probably have ready some, if not all of his work.  He is most well know for the controversial yet brilliant novel called The Da Vinci Code.  I admit, I have not read all of Dan Brown's work, having only getting into his books with the Da Vinci Code, which is a must read!  So, once you've braved the adventurous and thrilling story of Robert Langdon in this novel, my next suggestion is The Lost Symbol.

Unexpected and Unplanned

Life has a way of throwing things at you when you are least prepared to handle it.  Or rather, you think you are not prepared.  I've found, especially in recent months, that even if life seems overwhelming or too much to handle, it is never more than you are able to tackle - you just have to believe that you can over come whatever the obstacle may be.  It's easy to give up or give in to the stress and excitement that has your wheels spinning out of control.  And though it takes a lot more work and may even seem impossible to accomplish, I've found that as long as I keep moving forward there will be a way passed it.  As my man Johnny Depp says...

Inspiration of Music

In any moment that allows me to, I listen to music.  On the drive to work, at home while cleaning the house or playing with my daughter, and even at work.  I'm thankful my work doesn't mind that I listen to music through headphones on my iPhone.  Music is powerful.  It can help you cope with a difficult time in your life or remind you of good times.  It can also be an inspiration to get up and do something productive.

Many writers prefer not to listen to music while working because they find it as a distraction to their thoughts, and rightfully so.  I can understand how that happens.  When I was first working on my novel, brainstorming ideas and character arcs, listening to music actually helped the process.  I knew what sort of mood I wanted at each moment in my writing and was able to pick the music that would take me even further to that place in my mind.  Or sometimes, when I was having trouble moving forward with it, I would stop for a while and just listen to music.  Any kind of music.  I would sit and listen to the words, allowing my mind to escape into the song.  It really helped my own creativity to listen to someone else's, and music just happens to be my choice. After a while, ideas would start filtering into my head and I jotted down anything and everything until a new idea came.

Yoga and Writing

About a year ago, I discovered the wonder that is yoga.  I always heard others talk about the benefits of it and how much better it made them feel, but never really took much stock in their words.  It wasn't until I'd read one of many tweets from one of my favorite singer/songwriters - Jason Mraz - that I decided to try it (just because he inspires me that much ;p).  He always talked about how peaceful it made him feel and that it was so much more beneficial than just physically toning and stretching your body.  It also opens your mind, calms your senses and allows you to see the world through a clearer mind.

The Power of Dreams

So I'm not exactly sure of the theme of this blog as of now, but I figured I better start writing anyway. Writing, no matter the form, is important to keep in practice to maintain the skill, just as athletes practice regularly to be able to play in their games.  And here I am, writing because it is what I enjoy, it is how I express myself.