In Greek mythology, the Hippocrene was the fountain on Mt. Parnassus, the hangout of Apollo and the Muses. According to myth, Pegasus stomped his hooves on the mountain and a spring came forth, eventually becoming the Hippocrene, a fountain from which those who need inspiration can drink.
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| Claude Lorrain, Apollo and the Muses on Mount Helicon—1680. |
If you're careful, you can see Pegasus on the upper right, having just struck the earth with his hooves.
Being a writer of mythic fantasy, I would like to think I've taken a few swigs from this fountain over the decades. My inspiration comes from many places:
- Comic books, namely Wonder Woman, but others as well.
- Television, mostly comic book-themed shows, but also those that show earthbound heroes.
- Movies, see television.
- Novels, fantasy and science fiction mostly, but mainstream novels that show humans acting for the better of others. Edith Hamilton's Mythology has inspired much!
- People watching, especially at places like Barnes & Noble or Starbucks. It's not as creepy as it sounds. I don't leer. Don't judge me. ;)
- Authors I know, specifically those who write in my genre, but not always. I look at people whose writing style I love. That motivates me.
Leave me a comment on what inspires YOU. I'd love to know!
