If you’re a writer, work in a creative field, or simply enjoy creative pursuits – how do you get your inspiration for your works?

Personally, I’ve always had an overactive imagination. So I get my inspiration from everything I see, hear, and do throughout my days. I love the arts, beauty, music and entertainment. I enjoy learning new ideas, delving into quirky conversations, unique concepts and interesting information.

All of it is fuel for a new story or scene. It all helps for a current work or it gets mentally filed away for another project.

Truth is, we all get in a creative slump. So what do you do when you’re out of ideas? Or you can’t get past that next scene or creative problem? Here are my ideas for waking up your inner muse:

-          Make lists or outlines

-          Get physical – take a walk, workout, dance, etc.

-          Do something brainless like cleaning

-          Watch a movie

-          Read a book, article, poem

-          Work on another creative project (draw, paint, etc.)

-          Take a nap

-          Look out the window

-          Call or meet up with a friend

Seriously, any and all of those things have helped me when I’m stuck.

On one hand, some believe that you have to get down to work, whether you’re feeling it or not. I also agree with that. In fact, many writers claim that some of their most popular works were written when they were sick or not “feeling it.” Often, we are our own worst critics. And if you want to make a living as a writer, you have to write. You can’t always wait for inspiration.

Some writers keep strict daily writing schedules, while others prefer to take advantage of the freedom and flexibility of their writing times. Everyone’s different so it’s important to find what works best for you.

On the other hand, some writers come to a grinding halt when they’re not inspired.  I understand and appreciate the challenge of a creative problem. And I know that working with your own creative mind is not a linear process.

My husband now knows that when I’m looking out the window, I’m often working. My mother finally knows that when I go on a movie-watching spree, that in some respects, I’m actually working. Sometimes, walking away from the problem for a while is the most productive thing you can do. Let your subconscious mind work on it, then come back to it with a new perspective.

In the end, I think the life of a successful creative business person all comes down to a balance – get your creative inspiration from everywhere, learn as much as you can and observe all the time. But no matter what, set your business and writing goals, and get your work done.

Happy writing and reading!

How do you get inspired?

“I’ve always been obsessed with (and great at) writing, storytelling, and sex.” -Kitty Fine

Kitty Fine's Erotica Gets Me Soooo Hot...

I’m thrilled to be starting my new blog! And it only seems fitting to start with an introduction post.

For those who know me as Kitty Fine, you know that I’m an erotica writer who writes scorching hot, sexy short stories, ranging from the steamy to raunchy. Since I began writing erotic fiction five months ago, I’ve received dozens of great reviews and I’ve hit the bestselling lists on Amazon and iTunes in the US and internationally on multiple occasions.

Oh, and I always LOVE hearing from my readers, whether it’s through email, blog comments, or my Twitter or Facebook pages. So please drop me a line here or anywhere!

Since I first got started writing erotica, I’ve received some excellent questions from readers. And I’ve decided that it’s time to peel back the curtain a little, and share my answers with the rest of my readers.

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What do you read?  I take it for granted that as a writer you must be a reader but what do you like?

Let me back up a bit and give you my reading background…

Ever since I was a little girl, I was a voracious reader. I’d read my comic books, fairy tales, and young adult fiction every chance I got. I’d often get in trouble for reading under the covers with a flashlight when I was supposed to be sleeping.

My sexiest reading started when I was about 7. I had some occasions to “read” Playboy and Hustler and even snagged a few chances to watch some porn back then, with great curiosity. I devoured my first Harlequin romance novels at about 10. This was pre-Kindle, so I had to hide my book covers. Ha!

As a third-grader, I remember being shocked but intrigued when I read V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic, an incestuous yet beautiful tale about a brother and sister falling in love and having sex. And this book was in a Catholic school’s library!

No, it’s not appropriate. I probably shouldn’t have been reading that. But I did.

I used to read tons of diverse fiction while growing up, and for the last few years, I’ve branched out to reading non-fiction. I used to read all of Stephen King’s books as soon as they came out in hardcover. I loved (and still do) suspense fiction, romance, mysteries, horror, and classic lit. Now I mix it up with some business books and more recently, a lot of erotica.

My high school English teachers instilled in me a wider and deeper love of reading. And they brought out the true writer in me. For that, I will always be grateful.

For as long as I can remember, I was always boy crazy. Then in high school, I became obsessed with men and reading sexy articles in Cosmo for years. I read anything and everything I could about sex. Sex was my obsession.

This year, I’ve returned to my reading roots, and I’m immensely enjoying reading (and now writing) erotica.

How did you come to write and publish the Kitty Fine books? 

Well, I’ve been writing for years and self-publishing for the last year or so. When I came across the topic of erotica writing in late November, it immediately intrigued me. So I thought I’d give it a shot and jumped right in.

It was right up my alley. I really did start young with the sexy storytelling, now that I think about it. Why I waited so long to put it in writing, I don’t know. And it’s funny, when I told some of my real-life friends that I was writing erotica, they laughed and said it was “so perfect” for me. Ha!

I just started not too long ago but I’m having a blast with this! It’s perfect for me in a lot of ways. I’ve always been obsessed with (and great at) writing, storytelling and sex.

Do you have a day job or just write? How long have you been a writer?

Writing is my full-time day job. I’ve been an erotica writer since December 2011 and I love it. I feel lucky that I can spend my time doing what I love at home.

I started taking writing more seriously when I was in high school. I won writing awards and was encouraged by teachers to become a journalist. Instead, I went to business school and had a diverse business career.

Through the years, I’ve broadened my creative writing skills with other types of writing, such as: copywriting, business writing, proposal writing, academic writing, article writing, travel writing and web writing. While I enjoyed honing my other writing skills, I am excited that I’m writing creative fiction now. And fun, sexy erotica to boot!

Were you really a stripper or is that a persona? Have you done all the things in your stories?

My bio is correct – I really was a stripper, nympho, Catholic schoolgirl, and sorority girl. Combine that sexy mix with my love of writing, and maybe I was born to write erotica!

While there are some elements of me and my experiences in my stories, you must remember this is erotic fiction. Fiction being the operative word.

My stories are typically light and fun but fiction is a creative world to explore. If I write about something, it doesn’t mean I condone it. So no, I don’t condone anything illegal, immoral, incest, rape, cheating, prostitution, etc.

So what parts of my stories are true? Please don’t ask because I won’t tell you. It’s more fun to leave it to your wicked imagination.

Married, kids?  And finally, what is your ultimate writing goal? 

I’m married to a wonderful husband. No kids but I have a spoiled cat who cries a lot.

Ultimately, I want to continue loving my job as an erotica writer, while making a good living at it. I’ve been so lucky to start things off with a big bang (puns always intended).

While I look at writing as a serious business, it’s also my art. It’s my creative outlet, which I enjoy immensely.

I also want to continue to challenge myself as a writer and provide an ever-growing backlist of gripping, scorching hot erotic stories for my beloved, one-handed readers.

Thank you so much for reading my intro. I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts in the comments section. So…..

If you’re an erotica reader or writer, WHY do you read or write erotica? How did you get started?

XXX
Kitty