Monday's Muse~Festive Spirit

This beautiful picture by Thomas Kinkaid was exactly what I needed to get me into the festive spirit both for the holiday and for the chapter I'm working on. Though the holiday they're celebrating in my chapter is quite different from Christmas it's the spirit of celebration that I was going for. Friends, family, the feeling that even if just for a moment, all is right with the world.

As for the reading that's feeding my muse, I'm over halfway through The Hunger Games and am completely caught up in it. It takes a powerful, outstanding book to make me look past my dislike of first person, not to mention present tense so that should tell you a little about how good it is.

The music feeding my muse is more of Mairead's instrumental music. That lady is amazing with a violin. It isn't my normal kind of music but it fits the novel I'm writing so I'm rolling with it. What inspired you this week? Are you reading anything really good?

Comments

  1. There's not been time for me to write lately, so I won't offer up any creative inspiration today.

    But, I agree with you...the Hunger Games books did suck me in. I like first person, but present tense must be done well for me not to be bugged by it. It does work for urgency, and thus, I believe it suited HGs.

    Merry Christmas, Heather. :)
    Warm hugs,
    Lola

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  2. Thank you Heather for posting this. I love the picture!

    Inspiration comes in so many guises for me. Mainly when I think about the character I'm trying to write about. Who they remind me of, what sort of person they are, and what sort of problem they will give my protag.

    This week, just knowing I'm off work for 21 days--not worried about being unemployed because we applied for it--I'm looking forward to being able to do re-writes on the second novel.
    Happy Holidays!

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  3. I need to read some books backed up on my TBR list. You think my kids will let me while they're off of school? Ha! I really am dreaming now!

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  4. That's a great picture! Very Christmas-y. :)

    I've been inspired by the music that's playing right now--a collection of instrumental Christmas songs. As for books, I'm reading The Positronic Man by Isaac Asimov right now.

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  5. It has been tough to find time to write hasn't it Lola?! Tis the season. Great point, present tense has to be done brilliantly to work. Happy holidays to you too!

    You're welcome Lorelei! Happy holidays and happy re-writing!

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  6. Poor Lisa, finding time to do much of anything while the kids are out of school is a challenge! Perhaps if they crash and sleep after their sugar rush from all those holiday cookies... ;)

    Me too Golden Eagle, I love the instrumental holiday music. I've been listening to a lot of it lately too! I love Asimov, always a good read!

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  7. That picture is perfect! Lately I've been inspired by the whole holiday spirit--it's everywhere this year, and I love it! :-)

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  8. I know exactly what you mean Shannon! The holiday spirit is strong this year and I'm loving every moment of it too!

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  9. Yay! You're enjoying The Hunger Games. I'm reading Matched. Another YA dystopian novel in first person present tense. :)

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  10. I've heard great thins about that one too Stina. I can hardly wait to hear what you think of it!

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  11. I love that picture. I've always loved the way the warm glow of house lights look on a cold winter evening.

    Right now, I'm changing thing up and reading a book for grown ups, American Rust by Philipp Meyer. I'm not too far into it, but so far I'm enjoying it.

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  12. I love Thomas Kinkaid's paintings! We have three or four of them (or at least, my parents do).

    Perhaps The Hunger Games will actually help you cultivate a tolerance for first person?? Although I agree, present tense will never be anything but annoying!

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  13. It is beautiful isn't it Alissa? He was one talented painter! It's good to mix genres up now and then. I just read an adult urban fantasy and loved it. It keeps things fresh!

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  14. Wow, four of them Kari, that's awesome! You know, I think it has worked. I'm starting to love first person. The present tense may take longer to grow on me but for this series it is done in a fantastic manner!

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  15. Hi, Heather,

    I wish I had the time to read something inspiring. Soon, I hope. So busy finishing up with Christmas decorating. I'm glad you liked my place. Of course I'll decorate for you! If I'm out your way next Christmas.

    Decorating and Design is what I do professionally. Writing is a new calling.... I love it and it's all I ever think about. Blogging is also relatively new to me (only three months) I can't believe I missed out on if for so long!

    This community is beyond awesome.

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS HEATHER, to you and your family.

    Michael

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  16. Heather, LOVED that picture. Totally puts my in the holiday mood.

    I'm reading "Losing Faith." Also told in first person present. I don't mind it if it's done well. Hunger Games is the only dystopian I've ever read, but I loved it.

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  17. My MCs just finished celebrating 4th of July and a birthday. I am loving Vienna Teng on my writing playlist. She has such a soothing voice and I love the instrumentals that accompany her lyrics.

    I haven't done much writing this week, outside of prompts. I think I am too distracted with holidays and other family obligations. I hope after the first of the year I can get back into the groove of things.

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  18. I love Thomas Kinkaid. It reminds me of my grandmother. I write in first person. I've tried third and then end up back in first. Who's on first? LOL I hope you have a Merry Christmas! :D

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  19. Michael, you were a decorator?! That's excellent! I should have been able to tell from your the fabulous pictures of your house. I'm so glad you decided to join the blogger community. Happy holidays to you too!

    Julie, I loved LOSING FAITH too! That was an excellent debut novel, the kind that makes you forget which POV it's written in because it's so good it doesn't matter.

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  20. Tracy, I know exactly how you feel. It's hard not to be distracted with all the holiday wonder and craziness. Vienna Teng huh? I'll have to check her out, thanks!

    Brenda, I wish I could write in first person. I'm starting to really enjoy reading it. I'm the opposite though, I always end up back in 3rd! LOL!

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  21. Thank you for sharing the beautiful picture. I'm late in the day arriving here... but well worth the wait. I can now go to sleep with dreams of sugar plums, and the holiday spirit you sent in your gift of love for the holidays to all.

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  22. Perfect timing then Karlene! :) Thanks for dropping by!

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