Wednesday, February 5, 2020

What Inspires A Story: When The Sparks of Creation Flare From Any Direction, and How To Catch Them!


Good morning, Blogosphere! I don't know about you, but January just upped and ran by, for me. Valentine's and President's Day is just around the corner. Maybe cause I've been keeping busy with general life and getting a book ready for launch, but more on that later.

First, an IWSG question that I'm really excited to answer:

 
February 5 - Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?

The short answer is YES, but this question takes me back to exactly 20 years ago. I had just finished my first novel, and was feeling pretty good about it. I had no plans for a sequel, or a plan to write anything else. Just wanted to see if I could.

Then my high school art class went to a screening of Fantasia 2000. Anyone remember the final piece, the Firebird Suite? I kid you not, something about the music and imagery sparked a magnitude of scenes in my head, fitting for the protagonist of the book I had recently finished. "The story's not over" I whispered to myself.

And so two more books followed, ending in a trilogy. Cool, eh? Even when I wasn't open to it, much like life, inspiration found a way. In fact, some of the best ideas I've had was when I wasn't looking. And I caught them by jotting these ideas down while they're still fresh.

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Update: I've decided April 1st will be The Dragon's Heart release day. It's out with test readers right now, while I'm drafting the blurb and prepping the ebook ... and the cover reveal is coming early March.

And no, that's not an April Fool's joke. It really will release. :)

That's all for now, friends. Enjoy your extra day this month!

Has a single photo or work of art inspired you to write a story? What are you up to this month? Got any plans for Leap Year?

I'm David, and David spelled backwards is Divad (you're welcome)!

24 comments:

  1. I think I saw Fantasia 2000 but I don't remember it.
    Awesome you have a release date now!

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  2. YAY!! On your release day! I'm looking forward to the cover reveal!!

    I agree that certain movies do inspired me to write too! Wishing you much success with your upcoming release!

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  3. Congratulations David for the forthcoming release of The Dragon's Heart. The title is very interesting. Looking forward to the cover reveal.

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  4. It was a great question this month, and great how it recalled a special memory for you. Congrats on your forthcoming release.

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  5. Congrats on the upcoming book.

    So, what happened to that trilogy?

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  6. Congratulations on your new release, David. And for all your success. I remember watching Platoon for the first time. The music and the setting blew me away. Powerful imagery. I eventually Brother In Arms while I wrote the fire fighting scenes. The music and the movie changed me. Happy IWSG Day!

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  7. You saw Fantasia 2000 in high school? Wow, I feel old...

    Congrats on the new release. Can't wait.

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  8. Fantasia 2000 is visually stunning.

    Congratulations and best of luck with your upcoming release!

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  9. Very exciting on your upcoming release! Congrats.

    "The story's not over" I whispered to myself. I love that!

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  10. Well, Divad, I never thought of spelling my name backwards. :) That cracked me up! So glad you got inspired way back when! Congrats on your upcoming release!

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  11. Congrats on your new book. I'd be glad to mention it in Follower News and offer it as a giveaway choice in my book giveaway blog hop around that time.

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  12. I've been inspired by art as well as music. The trick is turning inspiration into a finished product. My name spelled backwards is Ycram. I like yours better!

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  13. I think I only watched the original Fantasia a long time ago, but inspiration can come from anywhere.

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  14. So excited for the new book release!

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  15. It's fun when music can help inspire writing:) Also, if you spell your name Davad, it's always be the same forward or backward ;)

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  16. That is a cool story and I'm impressed with all that writing you did at that age. Let me know if you want to guest post for your upcoming release.

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  17. Congratulations on the new book! I'm eagerly awaiting its release!

    I'd spell Elizabeth backward, but I'd feel like I was at a sobriety check point.

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  18. Some images are so profound, it's hard not to write about them. Nice that it worked for you. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  19. Hi David ... I bet the Fantasia images gave you a huge number of scenes and ideas for your future books - great to see how your writing career took off - good luck with the 1st April preparations and subsequent launch - cheers Hilary

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  20. it's great how inspiration can just pop up out of nowhere. Music also works for me.

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  21. It always amazes me how writers can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere.

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  22. Oh I can't wait to purchase a copy of your book when it is out in April. So exciting.

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  23. Congrats on your future release, David. How exciting! All the best!

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  24. That's a great story. It's awesome when inspiration strikes unexpectedly.

    Good luck with your upcoming release!

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