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.

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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Tan Lin

3.30.11

“I’ve spent six or seven years reading The Man Without Qualities—sometimes I read it all the way through and sometimes random excerpts of it.

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Téa Obreht

3.16.11

“As a teenager, I spent hours dreaming up plots for books. This was something I felt was cooler than going to the mall,

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Nikky Finney

3.2.11

“When I was eight years old my mother found me beneath my younger brother’s crib in the fetal position and sweating. I was sick with a terrible fever. But, as she reports, I was also smiling.

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