Whenever I talk to other writers and artists, the subject of what sustains our work frequently comes up. To whom do you turn when you need inspiration? A literary boost? An artistic jolt?
For me, good poetry usually does the trick. Or sometimes I’ll go to a gallery or a museum and absorb the visual languages. And there’s Chekhov, of course, whose enduring humanity always saves the day.
I’d love to hear what sustains you when you’re writing. Thanks for posting!
Abrazos,
Cristina
PS: And red velvet cupcakes are a legitimate answer, too, in my opinion!
I listen to music and read poetry written in the period I’m writing about. I often seek out work about a particular issue or subject like Phillip Levine’s factory worker poems when I’m writing about a welder or memoirs or non-fiction articles on the lack of choices for Puerto Rican women on the island when I’m writing about 20th C Puertorriqueñas.
I often turn to the visual arts, photography or painting. Lately I keep images that remind me of my characters at hand to keep me centered. I also use photos of nature or instrumental music to help me create the world in which to set my story. This last isn't always easy when doing historical fiction from more than 150 years ago but I'm working on it.
Like many others, I turn to poetry. Frank O'Hara moves me, as does Simic and Szymborska. They have a timelessness to them that I desire to capture in my writing. Music can help...lyrics too, at least to lift the mood if nothing else. It doesn't have to be lyrics in English---I'm happy listening to music in a language I don't understand.
Such a great list of inspirations! I'm a big fan of Szymborska, in particular. Also, I love the idea of listening to music with lyrics in languages you don't understand. I'm going to try that with the Eugene Onegin opera in Russian!
I listen to music and read poetry written in the period I’m writing about. I often seek out work about a particular issue or subject like Phillip Levine’s factory worker poems when I’m writing about a welder or memoirs or non-fiction articles on the lack of choices for Puerto Rican women on the island when I’m writing about 20th C Puertorriqueñas.
Yes, what we read is definitely fuel for our work! I loved hearing about all your different research for A TASTE OF SUGAR yesterday, too.
I often turn to the visual arts, photography or painting. Lately I keep images that remind me of my characters at hand to keep me centered. I also use photos of nature or instrumental music to help me create the world in which to set my story. This last isn't always easy when doing historical fiction from more than 150 years ago but I'm working on it.
Me, too! Walker Evans's book HAVANA: 1933 was the basis for the letters in my first novel.
Like many others, I turn to poetry. Frank O'Hara moves me, as does Simic and Szymborska. They have a timelessness to them that I desire to capture in my writing. Music can help...lyrics too, at least to lift the mood if nothing else. It doesn't have to be lyrics in English---I'm happy listening to music in a language I don't understand.
Such a great list of inspirations! I'm a big fan of Szymborska, in particular. Also, I love the idea of listening to music with lyrics in languages you don't understand. I'm going to try that with the Eugene Onegin opera in Russian!