La La La La Plot La La La

I don't outline. Well, let me just say that when I wrote my first book I did outline. I pretty much outlined the entire thing and then I would look at that outline and decide which scene I felt like writing that day and then once everything was done I pieced the story together like a puzzle.
And it was madness.
But it worked. I never had a moment of the dreaded writer's block.

Now, however, I keep an idea page. Each story I'm working on has its own page and when something hits me I throw it down on that page so I don't forget it. I find it also helps me move along on those days when I'VE GOT NOTHING!

And when I need a little inspiration I always go to the music gods.
Seriously. I would be nothing without music.

Confession:

When I was younger (not saying how much younger because I still kinda do this) and bored I would listen to music and create a music video in my head or a movie scene that would go with the song.
I'm a very visual person. Listening to music allows me to watch the scene unfold inside my head first and then I can sit down and write it.

So...

Since you asked, here are some artists that help me when I'm looking for inspiration:

Bon Iver

jónsi

The National

Radiohead

Sufjan Stevens

Loney Dear

Frightened Rabbit


Now. Go for a ride, listen to your music loud and then plot away.

That's what I do.









Shari Arnold is the author of MYSTIQUE coming Fall 2012 from Chronicle Books. Check out her blog or follow her on Twitter.