Hi, I hope 2009 is treating you kindly. I don't know about ya'll, but this time of year has always been my least favorite. Perhaps its the lack of color outside, or the end of holiday festivities. Or all the bills facing you after Christmas. I can't quite put my finger on it. January and February just kind of go by for me without much fanfare. But then I look at the positives of this time of year: more time to devote to writing, and better opportunities to watch what I eat since all the cookies and cakes are gone. Plus, after the cancer, each knew day is a blessing, so this year it hasn't been that much of a downer for me. I enjoy my life and I'm thankful for that.

Today I'm suffering from a cold and feel kinda blah, but I was able to sit down and spend a few hours writing on my current wip. (work in progress), Firefae. I finished its roughdraft and posted the last chapter up for critiques at the mudpuddle. And I got to thinking about some of the things that have inspired me to write through the years. I decided to share them with you. Some of them are odd and some of them aren't. It's amazing what sparks my creative juices to run. I never know when it will hit me, except for Jon Bon Jovi. He's the man. :) He surely doesn't surprise me. lol.
This old picture of him was one of Thorn's Embrace's inspirations. I even incorporated the crown of roses into one of the story's love scenes.

This is a cartoon character, Cloud Strife, from Final Fantasy, Advent Children. One look at him and my imagination soared. My future story, Snowden's Prisoner, was born.

One of my favorite artists is Brian Froud. Alot of his work has inspired fairy characters in my stories. His work is whimsical, mysterious and beautiful.

And last but not least, this is what inspired me to write my first novel:

"What?!" you ask.

Yes, the live action movie, Peter Pan, was one of the inspirations for me to write my first novel, Punished Desire back in 2001. A coworker/friend put the bug in my ear, but this little character and the story of Peter Pan & Tinkerbell, sparked my imagination and creativity. To this day, I have no idea why.

Drop me a comment and let me know what inspires you. I'd love to hear.

Life is strange sometimes,

Take care,

Deb