The Writing Life: Inspiration from place

Settings have always been one of the most important aspects of a story to me. I frequently—almost always, even—choose the films I watch or the books I read based on where they are set. I regularly shape my plots around places I want to go for research. Past Travels Come to Life For my current …

Writer’s Life | Where do ideas come from?

‘Where do you get all your ideas?’ is the most common question I’m asked. I laugh. ‘From God, I suppose. I used to tell people I was born with a pen in my hand.’ Ideas seem to be everywhere. Sometimes they interrupt me at awkward times, like when I’m falling asleep. I used to lie …

Writers Life | Where Do Ideas Come From?

“Where do you get your ideas?” That’s surely the most-asked question posed to any novelist. And the answer is probably one of the hardest. Maybe right up there with “How do you breathe?” Because, surely, for writers, ideas are a bit like breathing—sometimes even hyperventilating. If only I had the time and energy to develop …