Tag: writing inspiration

Do You Find Inspiration through Nature?

Published on by Debbie Johansson2 Comments
Free image courtesy kretktz on Pixabay.

Authors are often asked where they get their inspiration. The answer to that question is quite simply ‘anywhere.’ It could be through real life experiences, a conversation, a news item, music, film, or an image. We can even be inspired by nature.

Growing up, I always appreciated being surrounded by nature, mainly the stillness of the bush or the sounds of waves crashing on the beach. Taking in the solitude instilled a calming effect, both physically and mentally. This is where I felt at peace. It is also where I would find my ‘muse.’

Last year, through one of my acupuncture sessions, I learned about nature meditation. I had never heard of the term before but was surprised because this is what I have doing since childhood. It could also explain why, whenever I feel stressed, I need to be alone and go for long walks (living in the country certainly helps with that).

Free image courtesy Artur Aldyrkhanov on Unsplash.

Recently, hubby and I went away for a few days. It was very relaxing, as our cabin was situated near the Blue Mountains. We were completely off-grid – no internet, television, or phone service. We were switched off from civilisation, which is something we both needed.

I enjoyed the peace and quiet, being with nature, encountering wild goats (yes, we have them in Australia), kangaroos, water dragons, one rather large goanna, and a couple of lyre birds. I made the most of it, and hubby had no problem with me wandering off on my own. I walked maybe 2-3 times a day. I also swam every day, which was great as I even had my own private swimming hole. Hubby came with me once, commenting on how deep it was, reminding me of one of my own short stories. I guess, having an imagination can be a curse sometimes! 😉

From these daily ventures amongst nature, and with nothing with me but my imagination, I found myself not only relaxed, but also my writing inspiration for the next twelve months.

Do you find inspiration through nature?  Writers, how do you find your ‘muse?’ Do you do nature meditation?

Have You Ever Had Author Envy?

Published on by Debbie Johansson4 Comments
Free image courtesy Lacie Slezak on Unsplash.

This question can easily be summed up for me in three words – All. The. Time! It doesn’t matter if it’s a phrase, the setting, or the plot, there will always be times when I wish I had written it myself.

I used to get moments when the writing or the plot from other authors was so good, it caused insecurity. I would compare my writing against theirs and feel like an amateur. My writing was vague, my plots thin, and my characters not fully formed. I wondered why I even bothered. I wasn’t good enough.

As a writer of Gothic fiction setting is very important, and when I read authors who describe setting so beautifully, I tear myself away from the book and absorb those words, and read them again, in awe of the author’s talents.

I’ve found that the more I read, I could emulate these authors in my own unique way. By continuing to practice my craft and learning by their examples, I began to establish my own writing voice. Once I accomplished that, I became more confident.

Yes, we can continue to have author envy, but like any other art form, we can appreciate their books for what they are – individual expression.

Who knows? When our own writing voices are out into the world, maybe one day an upcoming author will envy ours. 😊

Have you ever had author envy? What do you admire most about an author’s work? Have  you established your writing voice?

What is Your Word for 2023?

Published on by Debbie Johansson8 Comments
Free image courtesy NoName_13 on Pixabay.

I’m not usually one for coming up with a word that describes my plans for the year ahead, but before Christmas last year, I encountered one that I felt was very appropriate.

I’m a big lover of music, and as I was searching through Youtube, I encountered Adieu, the latest release from Rammstein. The video is amazing, and after a couple of listens, it quickly became an earworm. I read the English translation of the lyrics, and the song is really quite sad. I interpret the video to be about new beginnings; that in order to move forward, we must let go of the past. It has gone on to become one of my favourites of theirs (and yes, I’m finding myself going down a rabbit hole).

In 2023, I’m bidding adieu to my Marsden Hall series of novellas, (the final book, House of Echoes, will be released on 22 February). I will also be bidding adieu to a couple of writing projects I have been sitting on for a while, but this will also be a new beginning of sorts, too (so it works both ways). I’ll be saying adieu to a few personal issues as well, that have been holding me back for years, as I feel now is the time to move on.

I believe that some things happen in our lives at exactly the right time, and I feel the timing of this song is one of them. It’s given me momentum to keep moving forward. After the events of the past twelve months, I’m feeling more hopeful of the future. I’m looking forward to new beginnings.

Do you have a word you use to describe your plans for 2023? Is listening to music a motivator for your writing? Are you letting go of something that’s holding you back?