I have a question for all of you? How many of you have story ideas influenced by television? I'll admit - I once started a story about a fat housewife who found a way to teleport into her favorite TV shows and had an affair with Commander Riker... :)
And do you ever find yourself likening your stories to different shows? "Dear Agent - My 350,000 word YA fantasy is Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Survivor."
Is television a worthy muse?
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I'd have to say that there's four types of television watchers:
1. The D.I.H.A.T.s: Do I Have A TV? These are the precious few that actually have better things to do than mindlessly watch TV. I imagine they have really good posture and arch an eyebrow when they speak. Clearly, their muses are tangible and talk to them on a regular basis. TV doesn't stand a chance...
2. The H.O.R.Ts: Hooked on Reality TV. These people may need a 12-step program. Seriously. They're junkies - hooked on the adrenaline rush that comes with intense competition. Reality TV isn't reality TV without some healthy competition - be it singing, dancing, surviving the wild, cooking, getting the guy, getting the girl, getting the celebrity...etc. What is the muse telling this person, anyway?
3. The I.W.A.G.S: I'll Watch A Good Show. This person will watch a few good shows. They don't deviate too much. Once they find a fun sitcom and a good law/medical drama - they're SET! Is this person's muse as steady?
4. The T.I.H.I.L.s: TV Is How I Live!! This happens to be the category that I fall into... you know, the people who look up the fall TV preview on TV guide.com to schedule their fall viewing line-up, DVR'ing one show, while watching another and spending their free time catching up on seasons of several shows via both their Netflix and Blockbuster memberships. Yeah, this person's muse is lucky to get a word in edge-wise.
Still...you have to wonder...if the TIHILs have a moment to focus on writing, with all those TV stories flowing through their veins, are their written words unwittingly laced with pure genius? ;) Hmm... it's a theory I like, anyways.
So, what do you think? Can watching copious amounts of TV inspire? Or is it the opposite? And which category do you fall into? Do tell!!
(*AND DON'T FORGET!! I'm giving away a signed copy of POSSESSION on Friday. Check it out HERE!)
15 comments:
Even though I don't own a TV, I'm a TIHIL all the way (Hulu is the best invention ever!). I think watching a creative show is a great way to get the muse thinking.
I fall into I'll watch a good show. I think we're inspired in different ways and there's no vacuum. It's either TV, movies, books, News, and then life itself.
I'm somewhere between the last two. And yes, my first book was heavily influenced by several science fiction shows.
When I began to write,TV went out the window. Only used it for background noise in the beginning.
I only watch TV while eating dinner 6-7 Bewitched. Then an only if So you think you can dance is on I watch it, although I am online blogging during it.
As a kid I was with the TV guide every minute scheduling my line up, now..... it's an after thought.
I let the TV entertain my kids while I write (um, maybe I shouldn't admit that). So one day when my son was watching Ghost Hunters, I started writing a ghost story. :)
erica
I'm totally a #4. 100%. In fact, we had so many shows to watch last year that this year I forbade Beloved Husband to add another show to the DVR. We were not allowed to pick up a new show. But, with Oprah going off the air, the DVR is breathing easier. I'm already hungrily looking for new TV. I am so addicted.
I don't know what to say as I avoid most TV. I'd rather be on the Internet. =D
Yeah, I'm in that last category with you. I think it can inspire. Sure, why not? Inspiration comes from anything and everything. Might as well use what we can't live without.
-Vicki
I am hoping it does!!! I'll keep watching it and let you know.
LOL! If my husband didn't watch TV, it would never be on in our house.
I don't fit into any of your categories. The only program I have watched with fidelity, sad to admit, is American Idol. Once it is over, then I really do not watch anything regularly. That does not mean I do not have the TV on. I turn on old reruns of sitcoms to go to sleep at night. I have seen all of them a million times so I don't need to think about them too much. This goes for movies too. I am thinking it would probably be a good idea for me to watch some more just to get more of an idea of what is available. Mostly I am writing, or blogging or emailing. Note my new photo....
Never mind that last comment. The wrong picture came through. I am using a wiener dog picture for my FB image!
Oh, L. Diane Wolfe's husband and I have something in common. :)
I'm defiantly a number 3, and that's only thanks to Netflix. I've learned a little about how to put a story together, about pacing, or sometimes what doesn't work, by watching tv shows. But I know I have to be careful so I don't cross over into wasting time - time that could be spent doing better things, like writing.
I have TV shows I'm loyal to, but I also check the fall schedule to see if there's anything else I might like to add. I used to live by the TV and could tell people what was on on what day and time, but I got too busy and found too many other distractions. As far as inspiration, though, I tend to get more from little odd news stories than anything else.
Tina @ Life is Good
and I are joining forces in another challenge. We're going to visit and comment at each of the participants, starting with the reflections post. We hope you'll join us!
Shannon @ The Warrior Muse
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