Like most people who are writers I am constantly looking for sources of inspiration, words of advice, nuggets of nourishment, just to keep the mind focused and the heart engaged.
There are a number of books, quotes, blogs and websites I return to, over and over.
Ray Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing is a constant inspiration, particularly the essay 'Run Fast, Stand Still...' which advocates practising one's art constantly but also letting go of the outcome. Instead of bashing one's head against the keyboard trying to force the words out, just push your ego out of the way and allow it to happen.
That leads me neatly to the Zen Habits website (zenhabits.net). Not strictly speaking about writing, the website nevertheless offers masses of compelling posts to keep your spirits up.
Also, try dipping into writetodone.com, again, another zen-influenced website, but packed with advice and practical guidance.
Over the years I've read every writing book you can imagine. I won't even attempt to list them but the ones I've found most useful are the aforementioned Bradbury one, Sol Stein's brilliant brace of classics Stein on Writing and Solutions for Writers, and Jerry Cleaver's Immediate Fiction, which has perhaps the most practical how-to storytelling advice I've seen.
If you're in need of a little pampering and self-indulgence, take yourself away and try these recommendations.
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