Jax's Artistic Journey...

I may not have read many books in 2009 but I sure have seen a lot of movies in the winter months through the start of 2010. Whether it was renting DVDs obsessively or going out with friends and family, I discovered a new way to get inspired. I suppose my love for the movie industry has always helped me to become a visual storyteller. What's not to love about seeing your hero and heroine delivering your lines so convincingly and passionately. Fine, it works in my head :)

One of the most romantic movies I've seen is the YOUNG VICTORIA which stars Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. You'll love the chemistry and the gorgeous costumes. History couldn't be more interesting and after getting to watch the advance screening, I actually thought about penning a historical--right. Maybe next time. I whole-heartedly recommend this movie because it is simply fantastic. A romantic sleeper hit if you give it a chance...c'mon, just do it.

Okay, I caved into AVATAR and it's another example of romance in movies. Maybe the general public is starting to grasp how sellable a good love story can be...perhaps they'll even turn to more romance books. I've had the fortune of meeting James Cameron in person and he's a nice guy. Quiet and a bit reserved but friendly. During the buzz of the movie I've heard that he was a total jerk to a fan...but I wasn't there and that's what TMZ likes to showcase. Who knows, but I will tell you I enjoyed this movie for the sexy Sam Worthington. It had some issues that could be easily overlooked--but it's indeed another entertaining movie.

I'm going to have to say that I'm a big PRIDE & PREJUDICE fan. I'm with TEAM DARCY all the way so any version of the movie I will love. When I heard about LOST IN AUSTEN a few years ago I hunted for it but it was only available for the UK. I finally got my hands on a copy and I totally adore it! It's witty, fun, and takes the story to a whole different level. Another recommend that I am certain you Austen fans will find enjoyable.

I'm not kidding when I say I've seen at least 50 movies so I'm only touching on a few of them. What I discovered during my lull was that these movies that made me happy helped me to get back into the writing frame again. Sometimes your mind just doesn't want to create and it's not from lack of wanting to write. Sometimes your mind is telling you that it needs to be fed and by watching movies, it's a great way to subliminally influence you to create. Besides, it doesn't matter where you get the inspiration, it just matters that you're allowing your mind a little bit of breathing room to re-energize. I've produced more in the last few weeks (however sporatic) but at least I'm writing...which is really the key. One foot in front of the other will get me a completed proposal, short, etc.

I hope that when you're in a funk that you take time to do the things that will inspire you again. It might be easier than you think. Stress tends to be the blinders that limit you from seeing the endless possibilities flowing around you. It's there, you just got to open your eyes to it.

Happy Writing!