Inspiration
My self-publishing journey began in late 2016, but that wasn’t the beginning of my writing journey. Not by a long shot.
My path to living the writing life I wanted took many twists, turns, and detours.
There were times when I believed I’d never reach my goal and even more times I tried to give up on writing entirely. Whenever that happened, it was only a matter of time before inspiration had me crawling back to the computer saying, “Please, Sir, I’d like another.”
More often, the type of inspiration I need is at a smaller level. I’m not usually contemplating huge life changes, but I do find myself in front of a screen, staring at a blinking cursor almost every day.
I love when people share their favorite things with me, so I thought, why not share some of the things that have inspired me in the past and present?
You may look at the things that inspire me and wonder, what the hell, Kiki? How does that get your creative juices going? You’re strange and unseemly.
That’s okay! The greatest thing about writing is that it’s your chance to do you! There is no one journey, no single way. If it works for you then that is the best way!
Books
Sometime while little innocent Kiki was growing up to be a big, slightly pervy, Kiki, she found romance books.
I read my first romance book well before I knew what all of the words meant, but I love art that moves me and I was hooked from the beginning. Fun Fact: in the first romance books that I read, sex was more vaguely described and for or a long time, I believed a part of sex was just knocking your bodies together.
At first, I was limited to the books my mom had in her collection. I’d pull each one down, memorizing the exact placement on the bookshelf before scurrying into my room and reading with door shut and locked.
Every single title shaped who I am today, but there are two books that I credit with lighting that fire that had me chasing after a feeling so I could hold it in my hand and keep it close. Rereading these books is like sitting down with an old friend.
The Trophy Husband by Lynne Graham
I’ve read this book so many times, I could probably act it out to anyone willing to sit long enough. It has all the tropes and universal fantasies I love. A secret crush, a brooding billionaire, and a young woman swept off her feet and placed in his care. And bonus: he’s Italian. This book single-handedly made me an Olive Garden regular in the hopes that I too would meet my Italian billionaire.
Don’t question my logic.
Megan’s Mark by Lora Leigh
Whew. And I mean, whew. Megan’s Mark was the first time I read the C word (you know the one) and after a brief moment of shock, I. Was. There. For. It.
This book gave me what earlier romance novels hadn’t. Details. So many glorious details.
Megan’s Mark helped opened a sexy door in my mind that I’ve never been able to close. It challenged me to go my own way, even if it was a little different. This book helped teach me that when writing, I need to always follow my heart… or groin. Whichever.
Music
When reading isn’t inspiring me, I turn to music. Whether it’s diving deeper into a character or getting the perfect voice for a scene, music can get me there.
My favorite songs are always changing but at the moment there are three songs I can count on to get me in the right mood.
Action Scenes
Sabotage by the Beastie Boys
Dramatic
God Only Wants You by Ours… Careful, this music video is creepy as heck.
Smexytimes
Maggot Brain by Widespread Panic
Scents
Smell is one of those things I always think to describe when it’s a heavenly or heinously disgusting one, but there are so many useful scents in between.
To help spark inspiration, I like to buy custom scents that help set the scene for any type of mood.
My favorite place to find custom scents is at Hexennacht. They have so many fun, quirky, and beautiful choices. Sometimes just reading the scent descriptions inspires me. My favorites at the moment are:
Cereal Killer
I have this one in a roll-on and can often be found huffing this scent. Especially handy during breakfast scenes. Description: Fruit Loops, Cap'n Crunch Berries, Trix cereal.
Frickin' Bats
This scent reminds me of crisp wind on sunny days and bright autumn leaves. Stick your head in a trick or treat bag, and you have this scent. Scent description: Vanilla ice cream, black licorice whips, candy corn, root beer, kettle corn.
Food
Snacks aren’t just fun to have around while writing. They can give me the jolt of inspiration I need to bring a setting or scene to life. I have a ton more favorite foods I’ll probably share later, but today I want to highlight my three taste inspiration go-tos. Caution, two are candy and none are healthy 😀
This one isn’t so much a single food as it is a wide array. Snakes, bears, sugar coated peach rings, there is a flavor for every occasion. My favorite are the Ginger-Lemon gummies.
These chocolates claim to contain a cup of coffee’s worth of caffeine. There are four flavors, Dark Roast, Cream+Sugar, Lavendar Vanilla, and Hazelnut. I honestly can’t say which is my favorite which is why it’s good they come in a variety pack. Not only do these chocolates taste amazing, but they give me that little boost when I need it.
Tip: If you are a new customer and contact the company saying you left a review, they’ll send you free chocolate!
Hard Salami-Thin Sliced
Hold up, I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Not only is salami the perfect snacking meat it’s also…the perfect snacking meat.
Okay, maybe I don’t have an inspiration related reason but salami is dang good. I don’t have a salami reccomendation because choosing the right meat for you is a personal decision but I can tell you from experience the low sodium varieties are just as tasty.
There we Have it!
That’s a brief view into the things I turn to every day for inspiration. Did you hear of anything for the first time? Do you also love salami?
I’d love to hear about some of the things that inspire you on a daily basis. I’m one suggestion from finding my next favorite thing to rave about!
Happy Reading!
Kiki B
So you know, some of the links to my inspiration items are affiliate links.
