Motivation, Your Muse, and Books

For me, this past year saw a focus on short story writing. And I’m happy to say that I did fairly well. I didn’t complete as many shorts as I wanted to, but I got two officially published and a third may find a home soon.

In 2015, I’ll be concentrating on novels. Three, in fact. Yes, a fantasy trilogy. So predictable, I know, but there it is. Wish me luck completing them, I’ll need it.

Which leads me to the topic of this post.

Sunset on the Pacific Ocean
What motivates us to create?

Sometimes, I feel there is an endless line of books and short stories to read. There is so much good (even great) content out there, I can’t imagine ever consuming it all. I can spend the rest of my days simply being entertained by all of you. So, why do I feel a need to join the line?

Patterns in a rock
Is your muse riding your back?

There are many artists that say it is not a choice. The urge to create is innate and cannot be denied. I have never really thought of myself as an artist. I have degrees in science and many describe me as a scientist. I even identify as a more clinically minded person than not. Do I have a muse? I guess so, but I’m not sure if the muse is riding my back or if I’m riding theirs.

For me, I set goals for myself. If I want the stories in my head out into the world, then I have to write them one word at a time. That takes daily dedication and planning. It doesn’t happen overnight. And toiling away for days to get a sentence or scene down on the page the way it is in my head can get awfully frustrating. At times, I just want to give up.

Seabird in the sky
Who are you reading in 2015?

What motivates more than anything is reading great books. In 2014, I read some great fiction by Robin Hobb, Hugh Howey, Lindsay Buroker, Ches Smith, and many other unpublished writers toiling away on their masterpieces. Reading all this great fiction inspires me to attempt the same.

In 2015, in addition to writing novels, I’ll continue to read (and review when I get a chance) all the writers I admire. Check out these book lists to light your inner fire and kick your muse in the ass:

Book Riot Recommendations
SFFWorld Best of 2014 – Fantasy/Horror
SFFWorld Best of 2014 – Science Fiction
SF Signal (Mind Meld)

I wish you all the best in 2015.

Happy New Year.

EDIT: All pictures taken by me off or near Stinson Beach, California.

Filed under: Wednesday Writer Tagged: writing