Sometimes the world is a terrible and terrifying place. If you’re like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the news, trying to make sense of the chaos. Hours or even days can pass by while I hang on to the hope that somehow the world will be made right again.

It’s easy to wonder if writing fantasy novels is a worthwhile way to spend my time these days. My doubts come from feeling like writing fiction is a luxury for times when the world isn’t in upheaval, but that time doesn’t really exist. The world is full of people doing ugly, cruel things to each other. That fact isn’t a recent development, and yet, human beings have been creating art as a form of self-expression pretty much from the beginning.

I’m often mentally and emotionally exhausted these days. The stress of living with constant uncertainty wears me down. I know I need to step away from it all and only come back when I have recovered my strength, but so much has happened lately that stepping away is at least as frightening as trying to keep up to date. Often, the only way I can feel better once it all starts to feel like too much to handle is to step back and read a book for a while.

My goal as a writer is to give people a place to escape. With so much happening it is easy to become overwhelmed by it all. Reading fiction is a chance to briefly step into another world, catch your breath and find equilibrium again. We all need these little escapes. No matter the medium, art offers us all a chance to rest and heal before we jump back into the fray.

The world needs creativity and beauty. Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t important. Don’t let anyone silence you. We’re constantly being reminded of ugliest, darkest side of humanity these days. Let’s keep making art so none of us forget that there is hope, too.

This week is a J-pop sort of week. It’s keeping me from getting too down in the dumps over the more depressing scenes I’ve been writing for The Dreams.

What are you listening to while writing these days? Do you have certain genres or songs you use to set the mood or are you like me this week and trying to keep your spirits up while writing? Share in the comments!

What music is inspiring you to write today?

This song makes me want to write!

What song is fueling your writing today?

This song has a place near the top of my novel writing playlist. It motivates me to type.

Do you have any songs that just make you want to type? Share them in the comments!

I slept for less than four hours last night, and now certain circumstances are keeping me from going back to bed. This song is giving me enough energy to be awake and trying to write this morning.

What songs give you energy to get up and get to work when you’d much rather be back in bed.

Every time this song pops up while I’m listening to my music on shuffle I end up listening to it a few times in a row. Do you have any songs you feel compelled to put on repeat whenever you hear them?

This song is just perfect for my writing mood these days. The sound of the music is upbeat enough to make me want to write, and the lyrics are dark. Overall it just reminds me of my story in best/worst way possible. It makes me think of Takeshi and all the awful things he does and says.

What’s your musical inspiration today? Share a link in the comments!

Do you use music to inspire and motivate you while writing?

I do, and I tend to have one or two songs at a time that really get me in a creative mood.

This is my current inspiration:

What songs are inspiring you today?