Days 25, 26, 27, 28 When A Break Provides Inspiration (More than Once) #31DaysofInspiration

I’m distracted, it’s true, but I’m still thinking about what inspires me to write. Here are a few:

Yesterday, two author friends asked me to read pages of their WIP.
My relapse into Shiny New Idea Syndrome that has some spillage into The Last Bathing Beauty.
A manicure.

I’m probably not being completely fair with the first one — because reading non-published work can inspire me as well. But yesterday I read pages by two of my published author friends whom I admire. I was flattered to be asked for my opinion on specific story matters. This served as a reminder of my own ability to get the job done and sort of know what I’m doing. (I’ve written three novels, so yes, I know I can do it, but still. Writers always have doubts.)

When I called my agent to share bits of my Shiny New Idea (which she liked, we’re brainstorming) we acknowledged that it shared an era with The Last Bathing Beauty. This was accidental, but true. She noted that maybe that midcentury was “my thing” and that that might be a good “thing.” I realized how much research I’d done on the early 1950s, and that maybe (probably) my agent was right. Has book four provided me with a new niche? We’ll see, but it definitely inspired me.

I’ve gone through all the stages of natural, tips, acrylic, and gel nails over the years, but one thing stays the same. I prefer the way my hands look when my nails are polished. I see my hands all day long tapping at the keyboard and it bothers me if they look unkempt (to me) which means some kind of plain or wacky manicure. While I’m an accessory maven, I can’t type with bracelets on and rings sometimes bother me. I love earrings and necklaces, scarves, pins, and shawls, but you can’t SEE those unless you’re looking in the mirror.  I enjoy “doing” my nails while I watch TV (Heaven forbid I do only one thing at a time, I know). I relax when I do my nails. It gives my brain a much needed break. (As a am a trend-hopper I’m now using nail wraps. Best. Thing. Ever. No dry time. Right back to typing.) This inspires me because what’s better than a relaxing but productive break?

Not your thing? Totally mine!

It’s just about 9:15 am and as Mitzi takes her first nap of the day, I’m ready for my second cup of coffee and to get busy.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

What’s inspiring you to write today?

xo Amy

PS On second thought, Mitzi may be onto something. I had a bout with insomnia last night which is rare for me. Might be nap time.