Inspiration: Books

Sometimes the evil Writer’s Block rears its ugly head in our lives, and while some might suggest you write through it, I always take this lull in my creativity as a sign that I need to replenish the coffers. Sometimes I like to do that by reading until something moves me enough to write. I call it “research.”

Here are some of my literary loves:

Bram Stokers’ Dracula. Okay, hear me out. I understand this book is very dense and may even be hard to read (it took me nearly two months to get through it) but the way the words come together…they are very thought out and precise yet lyrical. The storytelling is captivating and the dialogue is guaranteed to provoke deep thoughts.

Stephen King’s Delores Claiborne. This is such a great example of a unique voice holding the audience’s attention for hundreds of pages in one voice, with one point of view, and still be credible.

Chris Cleve’s Little Bee. In this novel Cleve is able to write in the narrative voice of a middle-aged British woman, and teen-aged Nigerian refugee and a young Jamaican woman, all without missing a beat. His delivery is flawless.

Cristina Garcia’s Monkey Hunting. An epic tale over generations of an Asian-Cuban family told in a non-linear fashion. There’s quite a bit to keep track of but Garcia keeps it all neat and tidy so the reader never feels lost or confused.

Junot Diaz’s Drown. A collection of linked short stories that are perfect examples of tales that can stand alone but still tell a complete story when put together. I really relate to this book/technique the most.

If those suggestions do nothing for you, here’s a list of books on my shelf screaming out, “I got next!”

Danielle Evans – Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self
Maaza Mengiste – Beneath the Lion’s Gaze
Marlon James – The Book of Night Women
Andrew Gottlieb – Drink Play F@#k
ZZ Packer – Drinking Coffee Elsewhere

Now go out and get inspired!

xoxo,
Raquel Ivelisse