Thinkingdog Publishing

  I once read that inspiration strikes like lightning. That’s a lie. At least for me. Inspiration sneaks up on me like a cat deciding whether to knock over a glass of water. It circles, it considers, it waits until I’m in the shower with no access to a notebook and then it pounces. So where does my inspiration come from? Well, buckle up, because it’s a weird and wonderful mix. First, there’s nature. And not just in a “how poetic, the whispering pines” kind of way. No, I mean nature nature . The kind where I go on my daily walks and see a squirrel making direct eye contact with me while committing crimes against a bird feeder. Or when a branch creaks ominously in the wind, and I’m instantly imagining a Victorian ghost lady pointing toward a hidden clue. Or that one time I saw a crow drop an acorn directly on a jogger’s head, and I started wondering if animals hold grudges. And speaking of animals, let’s talk about the real queen of my inspiration: my Papillon dog. My tiny, f...

This winter really kicked my rear end . I don’t know if it was actually colder, longer, and snowier than usual or if it just felt that way, but either way, I felt drained. A kind of low-grade listlessness settled over me, the kind that makes it hard to muster enthusiasm for much of anything. My creativity? It all but hibernated. I’ve always been a summer person. I thrive when the sun is shining, when I can get outside and move, when nature feels alive and bursting with possibility. There’s something about stepping into warm air that sparks energy in me, making ideas flow as easily as the breeze through the trees. But winter? Winter is different. The days are short, the nights are long, and the cold seeps into everything. Even with the glow of holiday lights or the beauty of fresh snow, I find myself counting down to spring. I try to embrace the season—hot tea, cozy blankets, the occasional twinkling snowfall—but the truth is, I have to actively fight my way through these three months...

As authors, we all have our unique creative rhythms. Some thrive in the quiet of the night, while others find their muse in the hustle and bustle of the day. For me, inspiration strikes best in the early morning—around 6 AM. Yes, I know what you're thinking: Who in their right mind is up and writing at 6 AM? But growing up in a German household, early mornings were non-negotiable. Those structured, disciplined mornings shaped my work ethic, and now, they've become my secret weapon for creative flow. There’s something magical about that time of day—the world is still, distractions are minimal, and the mind feels sharp, almost untouched by the chaos that builds as the hours pass. In those golden hours, I find clarity, focus, and an endless stream of ideas that I’d struggle to access later in the day. By the time the afternoon rolls around, I feel my concentration dip, and I know it’s time to shift gears. Instead of forcing creativity, I switch to tasks that require less of that ...

As a writer, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How do you come up with your stories?” It’s a question that often makes me smile because the answer is as simple as it is profound: stories are everywhere. Inspiration doesn’t always strike in grand, dramatic moments. More often than not, it emerges quietly, weaving its way into the fabric of everyday life. Conversations with friends, the sights and sounds of a bustling city, or even the stillness of a room can spark the seed of an idea. Writers aren’t just storytellers; we’re observers, collecting fragments of life and spinning them into tales. Let me share a recent example of how a simple evening turned into the genesis of a new story idea. Over two perfectly crafted negronis, I was discussing the schedule for an upcoming event with a friend. Their house, a treasure trove of artwork, surrounded us. Every piece of art seemed to hum with a story of its own. Midway through the second drink, I remarked, “One day, someb...

As the calendar turns to a new year, it's a natural time for reflection and renewal. The slate is clean, the opportunities are fresh, and there’s a collective energy that encourages us to dream big, try new things, and set goals that push us toward our best selves. If you're like many people, you might have a resolution or two in mind—whether it's to exercise more, eat healthier, or learn a new skill. But if you're a creative soul, there's another resolution that deserves your attention: setting intentional creativity goals for the new year. Creativity isn’t just reserved for artists or musicians; it's an essential part of every profession and every life. Whether you're a writer, an entrepreneur, a teacher, or simply someone who enjoys expressing themselves in new ways, creativity can unlock new opportunities and lead to personal growth. So, why not make this the year that you intentionally nurture your creative side? Let’s dive into how you can set creativ...