WHEN THEY'RE WRITING Gothic romance. Moody, atmospheric settings woven into a twisty plot full of drama and family secrets. The strong visual backgrounds that come through in this genre help me to pinpoint how to build a scene without overwriting a place. Plus, who doesn't love a little family drama but with fog? Young adult fiction. This may seem like a step backwards to some writers aiming for adult audiences. However, reading fiction created for younger readers is benefici

COMES IN UNEXPECTED FORMS For me, it tends to come from the small, ordinary everyday activities. Recently, none of the places I have found inspiration for my book in progress have been particularly glamorous. But they work. A tidy desk. It's not the most exciting form of inspiration but it certainly works for me. A clear desk or workspace provides a clear mind. That space allows creativity to flow more easily. Nothing mind-blowing, just a simple reordering, maybe a little mus