Reading more, writing less

Since I have been in a writing slump I've been trying to read more. My muse loves it when I read. Sometimes seeing what others have done before me helps me to see things I could do, or sparks an idea for a story.

What do you do to help yourself relax and let your muse find you?

Music?
Tv?
Movies?
Reading?

Speaking of reading... What are you reading right now? Any good book suggestions? I just finished the first Charlaine Harris book, Dead Until Dark, then I followed that up with the first Laurel K. Hamilton book, Guilty Pleasures. I'm thinking I'll start reading a Christine Feehan book next. I've had Dark Legend hanging around on my bookshelf for a little while now.

7 comments:

Jody Hedlund said...

I'm starting to research my next book. So I'm doing a lot more reading than I normally have time for. But I'm having a hard time finding a fiction book that holds my attention. So I've been focusing on reading a couple of writing craft books that I bought. Then I get really excited about the writing process again!

Katie Salidas said...

I go in spurts with my reading. While I am in a creative writing phase, I read more fiction. When I am in an editing phase, I read more craft books. It just depends on what cycle I am in. Right now, I am taking a break from editing and polishing Immortalis (and waiting on repsonses from my last batch of queries.), and trying to focus on book two. I'm stalled at 30k words and I can't figure how to get to my end point. Reading helps.

Danyelle L. said...

I try to clear my mind and let the characters through. Reading does help though. It keeps the gears greased. :D

Susan R. Mills said...

Reading helps, but I think I commented on one of your previous posts about listening to music. For some reason, it always gets me in the mood to write. I actually did an entire post on my blog about music and writing. Sometimes, I am inspired to write certain scenes by certain songs, and other times, writing scenes inspires me to listen certain music. And even other times, I'm not sure which inspires which!

Katie Salidas said...

Oh yes, Music helps too!

Deb said...

I love the romance of the word muse! I wish I had a clever name for mine - but I'm stuck with my old faithful - 'Fred in my Head.' I find that when I'm in a writing slump - reading a new author in a new genre sparks my inspiration and adds a new layer, depth, dimension to my writing. If you have kids - challenge them to write - you might just be amazed and find an untapped well of inspiration and support.

Katie Salidas said...

I love, "Fred in my head." What a great name!

My daughter isn't to the writing stage yet, but she can certainly come up with some funny stories. I never thought about making up stories with her as a way to spark the muse. Great thoughts and ideas.

About The Author

Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.

Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.