IWSG: Keep Calm & GRRR ARGGHH!

It's September and time for the Insecure Writers Support Group post.  A special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating this monthly opportunity to purge all our ill thoughts on writing. I also want to give a shout out to all the co-hosts: Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé, Dolorah at Book Lover, Christine Rains, andHeather Gardner!

IWSG:  Keep Calm & GRRR ARGGHH!

I just want to say thank you to all my friends who had such kind words to say about Fred.  As I mentioned, Fred's passing left a real emptiness with our family, but we are doing much better now.  And Fred's ashes are safely back with us so things are indeed better.  On a side note, I find myself snuggling more with the other pooch, Spike, because the poor thing was seriously depressed after his buddy died.  I never knew that dogs would be so effected by another dog's passing, but apparently that can happen.  It's a pack thing and I feel silly for not realizing that sooner.  For the dogs remaining, you have to watch them closely for signs and give them additional attention.  I learned that after reading a few of Cesar Millan blog posts.  All is well here as are hearts are slowly on on the mend.

That said, my kids have gone back to school and we've been fine-tuning our schedule of activities and so forth. I mention this because my schedule is paramount when trying to fit in my writing.  I've also done some major purge-cleaning and plan on doing more of that in the coming months to help keep me more organized.  So far so good.

With that, my goal this month is to keep calm and write a ton.  Since most of my friends are Joss Whedon fans, I wanted to share with you all this throwback that just made me chuckle and gave me some inspiration.

(Source)

What are your insecurities this month?

Happy writing.  Have a great week!

Mina Burrows

My Monday Inspiration

In no particular order, these are the things that have inspired me over the last month.  I missed Insecure Writers Support Group earlier this month, but I still wanted to contribute.  It seems like I spend a lot of time doing projects with work or with my family.  That said, it's hard to fit my writing projects in sometimes.  And I am a writer dammit!  Anyway, I saw this found it inspiring.

Source

Moving on to other things that have inspired me recently. I like all types of music for writing, but one band I admire is Foster the People. To say that I love this song is an understatement, but what's even better than the tune is the video. Remember, Kill Bill when Tarantino added the animation part to the film?  Between the story and the motion graphics, this video reminds me of it and is pretty psychedelic video too.  Feeling inspired yet?

Lastly, I saw this on Friday and it made me smile.  There's something about Loki, isn't there?
What types of things do you turn to to get inspired to write every week?

Okay Loki.  I'll get right on that. (Source) 

Got any thing planned this week?  What about this month?  Any book releases, blog hops, vacations or anything else planned?  Have a wonderful week.

Mina B.

Inspiration from Reality TV

With the continuous flood of bad reality TV shows that dominate network and cable television, I thought I’d blog about this sad topic.  Why?  Because there must be some new meaning in this antiquated topic of brainless television.


I find it unfathomable how these shows exist let alone how disturbing they are.  All these reality stars or celeb wannabes beg incessantly for attention, putting their pathetic lives on display and for what?  You guessed it...a feeding frenzy of mass proportions.  These shows feed the insatiable appetites of fame-starved reality show subjects.  They feed a sick amount of couch potatoes and even more so they feed the deep pockets of network/cable executives. 

Thanks, Bravo.

I’m curious about the reality TV icons; those star-obsessed freaks who hog up my television screen.  Talk about being caught in a "whirlwind of stupid." Is your life so remarkable that you have to have a camera in your face, capturing all the mundane or better yet staged moments in your life?  I'm in awe at times and not in a good way, I assure you.  Truthfully, I don’t watch much TV, but when I do, I cringe at all the reality shows.  Oh,  I've watched my fair share. Who  hasn't?  There’s just too many on the air for Christ's sake.  Will it ever end?  Probably not.  


So with all the repulsiveness that comes with reality TV, what can we gain from it as writers? Here’s the “meaning” and possible silver lining I was referring to earlier… characters my friend; flawed, ridiculous, unadulterated and cruel characters.  If you’re lacking inspiration in some of your characters or stories for that matter, try flipping the switch and tune into any reality show.  


I've found at least one positive aspect for reality TV.  Would you agree?  Whether it’s the Kardashians (please God - no more Kardashians), Jersey Shore, Bravo TV's Real Housewives (pick your city) or even a cooking competition, there’s almost always some facet that can inspire something with our writing…right?  


You tell me.  Do you use any of this crap for inspiration?  I sort of did with my Hallucinating Housewives flash fiction series.  What about you?


Mina B.