Great minds think alike…or do they???

Image: Big Think
Image: Big Think

Have you ever had an idea or story that you felt was so unique that nobody else in the world could ever come up with the same thing? And then you see your idea on a store shelf or used as a storyline in a TV show or movie only to feel like somebody had to be looking inside your head.  What a bummer?

I keep a notebook for invention ideas and use other tools for story ideas, but I swear someone is peeking sometimes.   Sometimes it feels like a “doh!” moment, and other times a near crashing blow.  Regardless, I’m pressing on.  Eventually something will pan out.  🙂

Has this ever happened to you?  How did you feel about it?


Sounds of Music – Inspiration for the Writing Process

Awhile back, I wrote a post about writing in favorite places and spaces to help with creativity. In this post, I’d like to fuelyourwritingexplore the use of music for the writing process.

Music is one of those wonderful tools that can inspire a myriad of emotions, thoughts, and feelings. In How Music Affects the Writing Process by Nona Mae King, she described how music plays a role in our everyday lives.

Music is used in stores to prolong the shopping experience. In movies, music (or the lack of it) is utilized to enhance the scene. Advertising agencies have invested time and money into music for jingles that keep products in your head or a television series in the forefront of your mind (King, 2012).

King also gives her list of reasons to include music in the writing process – “encourage focus, enhance mood, promote inspiration, and encourage us to seek inspiration”.

There are times when I select a certain genre or song to either go deeper into what a character may be feeling or to help me visualize the setting of the scene. For instance, listening to a jazz song like Diana Krall’s “Let’s Fall in Love” pitchforkgives me a visual of a couple playing in the snow, laughing, giggling, just having fun. At the end of playtime they kiss and realize that they’re falling in love.

Another example, the song “Love Drug” by Raheem Devaughn yields a mellow tune about love on the borderline of addiction. I visualize yet another couple dancing close and slow on the dance floor in a dimly lit club. As for their feelings and emotions, the longer they embrace, the more intense the feelings become leading to the thirst or yearning they have for each other.

Other times, if I’m not in the mood to write, I’ll put on some energetic type songs to give me that push. Like right now, I’m listening to Janelle Monae’s “What is Love” as I type this post. Every now and then, I’ll get out of my seat and do a jig. Good way of killing two birds with one stone – get a post done and exercise. 🙂

All in all, music has been a useful motivator and inspiration to help me with writing. Sometimes I use it and other times I go with the flow that’s in my head.

Do you use music as a source of inspiration or motivators when you write? Do you use it for character or scene development, help keep you focused/motivated or as a distraction from the world? Share your experience.

Photo: Fuel Your Writing, Pitchfork

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Writing Prompt: Happiness

happiness-balloonsWhat is happiness? Is it a fleeting moment of pleasure or when things go our way? Is it a consistent feeling that happens everyday without thought? How would you describe your happiness? How is it achieved?

For me, happiness feels more like fleeting moments. In other times, either I’m consumed with what I call life…work, family, and other thoughts or actions that require my attention. When I do feel happy, it’s usually when I’m relaxed and doing something that makes me feel good. Like being able to sleep until my heart’s content and wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed. Or sitting in the park writing about the creative and imaginative things that come to mind. It’s even in the times when I travel to new places or experiences encountered. Overall, when I assess the happy moments of my life they have been ones that were the simplest. No huge parade of things. Just time enjoying peace and people who I love and care about.

 What’s your happiness?

 XOXO, Melanie Dawnn

Photo: An Apple a Day

Copyright © 2013-2014 ✽ All Rights Reserved