Lots of authors have different methods to get them in the headspace to write.
Writing takes a lot of thought, planning, and focus. It takes motivation, will, and drive. When you force your writing, your most likely to end up with garbage that doesn't sync with your previous work.
Some writers exercise, cook, clean, or craft to find their inspiration. Others take a shower, sit on the toilet (don't judge), or lay in bed to get the thoughts flowing. While most of us authors read, watch television and movies, and listen to music.
As I near the end of completing the first draft of Dusk to Dawn: Book 2 of Fated Darkness, finding inspiration can be difficult. Especially given all my real life drama. it's something I struggle with daily, but I'm finally getting back into the rhythm and mindset of my characters.
I love dramatic, emotional, love-sick songs, cause I'll admit. I write a lot of romance. LOL
Inspiration can come from anywhere from a quote on a canvas to watching your kids play. But for me, music lyrics are the best medicine for this author's soul. are specific songs I have to listen to. There are songs for battles, first-kisses, hot and steamy love scenes, arguments, and suspenseful moments.
As you can see in the picture above, there are quite a few songs I have listened to on repeat......like A LOT.
Some of my favorites by book include:
Stars Ascending - Dynasty by Miia, Chemical by Kerli, Meet me on the Battlefield by Svrcina, Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi, and Falling by Harry Styles.
Shadow of Twilight - Bad Things by Machine Gun Kelly, Heaven by Julia Michaels, Kings & Queens by Ava Max, Princesses Don't Cry by CARYS, and Dusk Til Dawn by Zayne.
Dusk To Dawn - Broken by Au/Ra, Alone Pt II by Ava Max, Human by Christina Perri, Sad Song by We The Kings, So Am I by Ava Max, and You Don't Even Know Me by Faouzia.
Prince of Blood - Panic Room by Au/Ra, Castle by Halsey, Heart of The Darkness by Tommee Profitt, Never Say Die by Neoni, and All the Kings Horses by Karmina.
Now sometimes listening to music doesn't always work. If I have too much going on in my private life, then I won't be able to concentrate what so ever, no matter what I do. Or sometimes, I might be burnt out. Spending every day for weeks, staring at a computer screen, writing about fictional characters and fantastical worlds can be exhausting. My back will hate me for sitting on my ass for hours, my neck will feel like someone stuck an ice pick in it, and my eyes will feel like they're on fire. If I get to that point then I take a break. I bake, watch tv, read, and spend time with my kids. Get the hell out of the house and just live.
Sometimes as writers, we forget there is an outside world and to live in it. Balancing real life and the one we create, can be tricky. I'll be yelling for my kids and call them by my character's names instead of their real ones. And I will never admit to almost calling out Gabriel, my male lead in Shadow of Twilight, during the throws of passion......because I almost did, but luckily I caught myself. Imagine trying to explain that one in the early stages of a new relationship LOL
As I near the end of completing the first draft of Dusk to Dawn: Book 2 of Fated Darkness, finding inspiration can be difficult. Especially given all my real-life drama. it's something I struggle with daily, but I'm finally getting back into the rhythm and mindset of my characters.
Cheers to upcoming journeys and adventures!