This week: Strange habits of writers and feeding our muse…

Thanks to Carolyn Spear for this week’s questions, and if you landed here via Katherine Givens, thanks for continuing through the RW circuit.

If someone observed you writing without you knowing, what strange practices might they catch you doing?

Besides numerous trips to the kitchen scavenging for food, I have an awful habit of chewing my cuticles…while my crystal ball comes into focus.

Other than a creative outlet, how does writing benefit you?

Last week, I expounded on the therapeutic benefits writing provides me. In addition, my spelling has improved as well as my keyboarding speed. I pay more attention to plotting and and such with movies and books, but the down side is I tend to dissect them which sometimes robs the joy.

How do you feed your muse?

You mean other than chocolate! Thus far, my stories have been inspired by a character or an impression from a book, TV or movie. After years of watching Rescue Me, I wanted to write a klutzy heroine on her way to becoming a firefighter. Jo didn’t turn out that way in Hot as Blazes, but her academy mate, Tami became a comedic sidekick earning the title, Black Widow.

Relaxing on the beach or by the pool frees my muse to explore story ideas. I’ve found walking is the best way to exercise story problems. Last but not least, the almighty shower can be Zen.

Please visit the lovely and talented Collette Cameron to see how she feeds her muse.

This week:  Research…how far will you go?

If you reached me by Carolyn Spear on the blog hop, thanks for continuing the tour.  The week’s author questions are from me. I am curious to see what my fellow authors will do in the name of research, prying for the obscure and maybe even sensual. My fingers are crossed.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever done in the name of research for a book?

I did ask a friend who owns a Jeep if it was possible to have sex in the cargo area if the backseats were out. What a true pal, she actually asked her husband to give it a try!

As for me, I guess I’d say going to the East Coast Surfing Championships to photograph surfers.  Included in this post are some shots I took in the practice area where the surfers were relaxed and testing the waves.

Name a nonfiction book you’ve read for research that you wouldn’t have read otherwise.  Not including writing craft books. Oh, let me see, The Roman Imperial Army, Fighting Fire, The Last Men Out, American Sniper, Outlaw Platoon, War and, War Dogs… Whooa, I’m  seeing a trend here.

If you could travel anywhere to do research for a book, including back in time or out of this world, where would you go?

My first novel was set in ancient Rome and I really wanted to see the Coliseum, and other Roman ruins throughout Europe. Now that I’m writing contemporary, I’d like to take a tour of beaches of the world, like in the Endless Summer movie. Give me the purple pill and bring on the Margaritas!

Now, let’s see what’s the most interesting thing Jeana E. Mann has done for research.