Writers Recommend

In this online exclusive we ask authors to share books, art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired them in their writing. We see this as a place for writers to turn to for ideas that will help feed their creative process.

Jay Neugeboren

6.8.11

“My scoreboard is my muse. When I was starting out—unpublished—and sending my stories and novels far and wide, I kept a list taped to the wall next to my desk

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Melanie Rae Thon

6.1.11

“I see a pigeon dying on my porch the day before Christmas, deer up to their ears in snow, my father in his last bed, heart and lungs and liver failing

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Sloane Crosley

5.25.11

“I like to clear my head as much as possible, usually via actual cleaning. My favorite ideas have originated while folding clothes and scooping up litter.

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Andrew Foster Altschul

5.18.11

“Travel. Of any kind. Whether to a country you’d have a hard time finding on a map, or to the bead shop in your neighborhood

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Priscilla Gilman

5.11.11

“When I was working on my book, The Anti-Romantic Child, I created a playlist that I listened to over and over again while writing.

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Kevin Brockmeier

5.4.11

“I’m thinking about a quote I’ve seen attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: ‘If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood

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Arthur Nersesian

4.26.11

“The best reason to live in New York City is to discover the endless hidden treasures in its many neighborhoods.

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Victoria Patterson

4.20.11

“Always tucked in a pocket of my purse is a Moleskine journal. I try to write every day, no matter what

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Daniel A. Olivas

4.13.11

“As with most fiction writers, I can be inspired by virtually anything: a song, a kiss, a cup of coffee, an overheard conversation.

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