When I’m not writing, I’m plotting in my head, or finding plot ideas in the life around me.  Even the movies and television programs I watch are connected in theme to my work in progress.  There’s a beat, a rhythm, if you will, to every type of story, especially when comedy is involved, that I believe can be learned even when you’re not trying.  Plus there’s the question of what’s funny and what’s not.  And since I’ve written both contemporary and historical romance, I don’t dare watch a historical while I’m writing contemporary, or my historical voice will come out.  Likewise when I’m writing a Regency or Victorian historical, I watch movies like Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, again, to catch the rhythm and nuances of the language and romance of the time.  And when I’m writing an Amish Historical, I watch Witness and a dozen other Amish movies I own.

When I’m writing a contemporary romantic comedy, I watch romance and comedy on television and in movies.  Romantic comedies like French Kiss (my personal favorite) and While You Were Sleeping, I’ve watched dozens of times.  When I’m working with my witches, I adore Practical Magic, the X Files, Charmed, and now the Dresden Files. Yum. Not only do these movies and programs teach me the craft of storytelling, they teach me the beat, the ‘wow’ and ‘abracadabra’ of paranormal storytelling.  And there’s always Harry Potter. 

The movie Possession, though it contains both a contemporary and historical plot, was a clear inspiration for THE SCOT, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE.  I was fascinated by a love story in the past that influenced a love story in the present, and though my story is a romantic comedy, and Possession is clearly a drama, Possession presented me with the gift of plot.  My muse really liked that movie and we were compelled to take our idea and run with it. 

My favorites television comedies are Two and a Half Men, which I think is one of the funniest shows on television, and have you seen Psych?  A bit slapstick, but addictive, and there’s the psychic element involved that reminds me of my triplet witches.  How about Monk?  What a hoot.  Some not so oldies like Friends and The Gilmore Girls are must-see parts of my television faves, for their great writing, witty repartee, and laughs alone.

So I have a couple of questions for you, keeping in mind that I live sheltered here in my writing cave. 

1. Readers and Writers alike, what programs and movies are directly related to your reading and writing habits? 

2. I’ve been interested in mysteries lately.  Can you give me any suggestions for new ones I might like.  What’s on television for a mystery fan these days?  How about in the movies?

Thanks as always and Happy Spring!

Annette

www.annetteblair.com

ps:  My Favorite Witch is a finalist for Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence!