If you follow my blog, you know I’m a passionate reader. I always have been. My father taught me my letters and worked with me on my reading when I was very young, and I was reading at a college level while still in elementary school. I love words, reading them, writing them, learning how to use them like paint on a canvas.
There’s no denying that reading is good for our brains. Reading exercises our cognitive functions, our imaginations, and keeps us sharp. For me, it also stimulates my creativity. I find that the more I read, and especially when I’m reading a book that’s well-written, my overall creativity increases. I dream more vividly, as well, and many of my story ideas come from my dreams.
For example, I’m currently reading House of Leaves, a challenging novel that I can best describe as a multilayered story within a story, metafiction, and ergodic. Some parts of the story require the reader to actually turn the book to read. It’s a fascinating exercise in pushing the boundaries of narrative form.
Since I started reading it I’ve found my dreams to be incredibly vivid and I’ve had quite a few new story ideas when I wake in the morning. At least one is going to be an experiment in narrative form. I’m trying something different, obviously inspired by the book I’m reading. So thanks to Mark Z. Danielweski.
I’m curious if this happens to other writers. Are you inspired by what you read? Do the books in your library stay in your head, manipulate your dreams, trigger new story ideas? Is it only certain books that trigger this, or is it just reading in general?
And along the same lines, does this happen to all artists regardless of medium? How much inspiration comes from other works?
For me, it’s not every book I read. Some stand out more than others, resonating with something in my subconscious and stimulating that creative gene. But I would like to know more about other writers and creators. Let me know in the comments if you have the time.
RB
I cannot even begin to describe in how many ways my reading influences my life, my creativity, and my thinking. Thanks for the post! I’ll be sitting with the thought for some time.
Very nice! Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!
Reading often sparks inspiration for me. Sometimes it can be distracting and I have to put the book down and write, or draw.
Oh, I feel that way, as well. Sometimes inspiration is overwhelming.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Jamie.
I can relate to this! Reading definitely sparks my creativity. Some books linger in my mind long after I’ve finished them, influencing my thoughts and ideas
Like you, I’ve had dreams inspired by what I read, though only certain books have that effect. I imagine this applies to all artists, music, paintings, and films can also ignite inspiration. It’s fascinating how creativity feeds off creativity!
Thanks for sharing your experience
I hope you’re enjoying your weekend! Stay blessed ✨
I assumed you could relate to this, Roksana. Your poetry and paintings sometimes read like they’ve come from a dream.
Thank you for commenting, my friend.
That means a lot to me, thank you! Dreams have a way of weaving into art and words ….
Grateful for your insight, my friend!
✨
I am not much of an author myself, but I love to read and analyze complex characters.
My favorite author is an Irish one, Liz Nugent. I’d definitely recommend any of her books if you don’t mind it being set in europe.
In a podcast she mentioned a book I was blown away by:
A fine balance -Rohinton Mistry
Have you read it by any chance? Something tells me it’s right up your alley.
I haven’t heard of Liz Nugent, but I’m adding her to my to-read list. I’ll also check out A Fine Balance, although it may take me a while to get to read it. The pile of unread books next to my bed doesn’t seem to get any shorter!
Very interesting post, Richard! First time I’ve heard of “ergodic.” Sounds like push ups for the brain. I was also an avid and advanced reader growing up, but that was long before I started writing my own stories.
The Hebrew bible is my current source of inspiration, sometimes the NT as well. As you know, reimagining and transforming Hebrew bible stories into humane, humorous and healing narratives is my passion. Before that, I wrote a whole bunch of d’vrei Torah (Goggle please) and poetry. A lot of my traditional d’vrei Torah influences my reimaginings. Recently, I’ve been having dreams that I’m chanting from the Torah in Hebrew at Shabbat services, which is something I haven’t done in a long time! 🤷🏻♀️ What’s it all means, I don’t know, since I’m currently estranged from organized religion, but I was chanting in a melody I haven’t heard in ages.
I really enjoyed reading about House of Leaves and the vivid dreams it engendered.
LOL…absolutely push-ups for the brain! I’ve never read a book that took so much effort – turning it on its side, jumping back and forth between pages and chapters. There are hundreds of footnotes, text stricken through, font changes. I need to check, but I think it’s helping me close the exercise ring on my smart watch. 🙂
Perhaps your dreams are showing you a new path for your writing, exploring a different character or a modern setting. I enjoy reading your reimagined takes on the Torah, particularly the humorous ones. It’s great to see those old stories dusted off and given a new shine that makes them less dark and more relatable.
Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I seem to be more inspired by what I do and where I do it than what I read. However well written pieces do nudge me to elevate the quality of my writing.
That’s interesting to know, Pat. Your poems definitely reflect your environment – both natural and social – but I notice your voice seems to change based on the subject matter.
Thank you for taking the time to share!
Thanks, Richard. These are challenging times no matter where in the political spectrum one falls. And each side is convinced the other side is wrong, wrong, wrong. I’d rather read a book and escape what passes for reality nowadays.
For me, I use my reading time to immerse myself in other places, times, situations and perspectives which I myself have not experienced. This gives me insights on the ageless qualities and conundrums of our human race, and those insights translate into poetry.
That definitely comes across in your verse, Ana. Thank you for sharing.
That’s nice to know. Thank you for reaching back!
I’m not surprised by this
Thanks for commenting, Sheree.
Always a pleasure