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L.T. Suzuki

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Blogs by L.T. Suzuki

Inspiration & Where You Find It
3/28/2011 9:26:17 PM

Recently, friend and fellow writer Jessica Subject asked me this question: “Where does your inspiration come from?”

For the longest time, I stared at this question on my laptop, struggling to remember where my ideas/inspiration for my stories came from.

Initially, I said, “I don’t know... I just write.” For most part, this is true.

Often, the writing process for me can be best described as recording events, albeit fictional, that already happened (at least in my mind, they had). Or more often, it is like typing events and dialogue as the characters in my stories react to situations they are faced it, and I am merely there, recording things as they unfold. This usually explains why, when I return to the story I don’t recall major portions of dialogue and action.

Some authors tell me this is what they refer to as ‘inspired writing’ or writing from my ‘subconscious mind’. For me, it is frustrating and a bit disconcerting when I don’t recall writing pivotal scenes or intense dialogue. It makes me think I’m writing more from a faulty, unconscious mind than anything else.

Obviously, when I took more time to seriously think about it and began dissecting some of my stories to recall how these characters came about or why I chose to subject them to so much treachery, I came to the conclusion that was just as bland as my previous, “I don’t know…” answer.

For me, there is rarely a flash of brilliance or grand inspiration. Some of my ideas come about in conversation, watching the evening news, etc. Often, it is taking an event or situation that I find irksome or controversial and giving it a ‘what if’ twist.

Creating the female warrior in Imago was a gut response to finding a female character my daughter can truly admire. I wanted her to read about a strong female lead with no special powers, but was able to rise above dangerous situations using her smarts and years of martial arts training, not magical powers. I wanted her to read about women who were capable of doing the rescuing, than waiting to be rescued by men.

As for the male characters forming the ensemble cast of characters that ride into battle by Nayla’s side? They are loosely based on the personalities (not the physical appearance) of the men I’ve known in my lifetime.

Often, inspiration can come from life experiences. As for some of Nayla’s experiences, when it came to dealing with racism, sexism, male chauvinism, physical and emotional abuse, much of what Nayla endures is reminiscent of my personal experiences.

Oddly enough, I get some of my best ideas walking home after dropping my daughter off at school or at night, just as I’m about ready to nod off. The characters insist of doing ‘things’ and having conversations when I’m trying to switch my brain off.

Whether inspiration comes from day-to-day interactions with others, a traumatic personal event, a story on the 6 o’clock news or divine inspiration from the writing muse, I’ll take it in whatever form it chooses to manifest itself in my life.

So, how do you find your inspiration? Why not share your thoughts and experiences on Twitter?

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