Reading inspires me to write…finally

Almost thirty years ago, I left the shores of fiction goodbye in undergrad and dove deep into the waters of nonfiction, theory, philosophy and research. Trust me, it wasn’t as boring as it sounds. But I did finally need to come up for air and sanity.

First, I took to my own keyboard. Conjuring a badass feminist character who I love and adore. You’ll meet her next year! And more is to come!!

Then, from my reliable and amazing beta group of readers and friends, a list of some new fiction I may enjoy emerged through their suggestions. At first, I was reluctant. I feared other’s writing would someone how seep into mine. And y’all got to know I’m a bitch for academic/artistic integrity.

But in a crazy, Covid world, I need some relief outside of my own writing. And I’m so thankful I told myself to get over it! I delighted in new characters, tales and genres. I’m inspired by the talent of other writers, knowing how much passion and time it takes to craft such stories and books. And when I came across a unicorn of a similarity to my own story, I took solace in it. Nothing is original anymore and now when we discover like elements, we can find peace in the things that continually unite and intrigue us as readers.

So hats off to all those fiction authors out there blazing the trails and our bookshelves.

I’m up ‘til 3am and hoping to join ya one day soon.