I mostly like fiction. However, what I may look for are interesting phrases and the type of events that may move me. I compare it to my own life and how I can relate to the experiences depicted. Also, the amount of dialogue vs. description is very important, so I look at other work which achieve a good balance. Are the characters anything like people in my life, real or imagined? How have the characters been tranformed is an important question to me.
Fantasy... Tolkien, Herbert, Jordan...
I think it is the opposite for me. Really great writing gives me anxiety and I'm intimidated. If I want to write and get a few chapters out then I cannot read anyone else's work. If I'm reading then I'm not writing.
Literature that takes chances; poetry that inspires.
I derive my primary inspiration from history, philosophy, current events, and my own personal emotions and experiences. With regard to novels I am inspired by the great historical writers of the past and concerning verse by the traditional poets of both antiquity and more recent eras (16th-19th centuries).
Writing that I admire and seek to emulate.
Unlike many writers, I don't draw inspiration from reading other authors. I have found that my writing is best-inspired by boredom and a need to let my mind wander. My day-to-day job is filled with mundane activities that allow me to use my imagination and visualize parts of a book.
Psychological, philosophical, existential, spiritual...
I am a self-professed news and information junkie whether online, tv or newspaper; so I can find inspiration in everyday life.
Stories that bring on a smile or a tear.
Reading really isn't my inspiration to write. I like to use writing as my guide, but not my inspiration.
Poetry - newspapers, emails, reading the literary magazines. Anything, really.
Writing poetry after a wonderful photography session is especially inspiring. Although I edit heavily, the first draft is always my favorite.
I am usually daunted by reading other writers. I always think, "My God, I could never write this well. What's the point of trying." So I am not inspired by writing, rather I'd say I'm influenced by the way other people write, by concepts and my love of words and ideas.
Anything written by Lawrence Block inspires me to write.
Anything can do it. |
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