It is the first Wednesday of the month once again, which means it’s time for The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG). The amazing co-hosts for today are: Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!
The optional question this month: When you are working on a story, what inspires you?
That’s a tricky question. Inspiration varies book by book. During my first and third books, I ripped inspiration from the headlines. Those stories are contemporary and situational, and they speak to a “what if” thought process. My second book, on the other hand, is the first in a fantasy series, and as such, immersing myself in books and series that are also somehow fantastical help me feel the necessary swirl of otherworldliness.
Books one and three are why I continue to focus on the weekly news up next. The music—something I actually used for all books—an homage to the rest of my journey. Time for both.
This first story is forcing me to rethink my complete revulsion to rats. Well, a little.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rat-ambassadors-improving-rodent-image_n_643eb9e5e4b039ec4e7ab7bd
Scientists found a “brain signature“ that leads to multiple psychiatric conditions. Hopefully, it could make a difference for the people who suffer.
I leave you with some inspiring music. Enjoy, and I’ll see you in seven.
kimlajevardi 
Inspiration can come from everywhere. The hardest part is sorting what can be put in to a story.
True.
I don’t know if I can get rid of my rat revulsion. Glad you did. Asking what if is a great way to come up with story ideas.
I didn’t get rid of it, but I’m willing to try.
Thanks for the science links – physical condition inspired my current WIP.
Rats are wonderful, bright, caring, obedient – at least when I ordered a large Samuel Whiskers out of our garage, I just hated having to do dissection.
Cockroaches, though, and Komodo dragons… Vile
Cockroaches are pretty vile.
That rat was adorable! I used to have rats as pets.
I’m still leery, but I appreciate how smart they can be.
You do like your news!
Those rats are really big. But it makes sense they would be perfect for sniffing out stuff.
I do.