©Diana Cosby 2018
One of the challenges of writing is creating new story ideas, or, if working on a rough draft, deciding what to write that day. For me, regardless of the task, I find inspiration in nature.
There’s something amazing about walking in the woods, of the whisper of wind, or the tapping of a distant woodpecker. As I follow trails through the forest, take in the squirrels chatting, the birds chirping in the trees, or other sites of nature, I relax.
With each path I choose, surrounded by nature, instead of struggling with my current story issues, new ideas flow through my mind.
How can you not smile when you see the quirky things that the birds or squirrels do, or watch fox kits play.
By the time I return home, I find myself recharged, energized to dive into the writing day to unravel any story problems, or, to work with my characters if they decide to be stubborn.
At the end of the day, I wind down by reviewing photos of nature that I took during my walks. I’m always amazed by the incredible things I see in the woods. Best, knowing that when the sun rises tomorrow, I’ll be out in the forest again and no doubt be inspired.
About the Author
A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothers series have been translated in five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.
After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series and The Oath Trilogy, and the first three book of The Forbidden Series, she’s now working on book #4, Forbidden Realm, of the five-book series, which will be released August, 6th, 2019.
Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.
Contest
Contest: ***ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post on Inspired By Nature on Delilah’s blog between 26 December 2018 – 1 January 2019. The winner will receive one of Diana’s mugs and a tote.
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
The Oath Trilogy
MacGruder Brother Series
Forbidden Series: Forbidden Legacy/Forbidden Knight/Forbidden Vow/Forbidden Alliance‒Aug. 6th 2019/Forbidden Realm TBA
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I do believe that is the fattest squirrel I have ever seen. I feel like I needed this in my life right now.
And I want to second your thoughts on nature and how it always serves as a canvas for creativity. I live in the desert now and miss the forests of my childhood something awful. But here, too, you find solace and inspiration in the sandstorms, the rolling dunes, and the hot winds. Thanks for reminding me. I know what my weekend plans are 🙂
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Nature is amazing and would be a fantastic inspiration.
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I love looking outside and seeing what Nature has to share… today a falcon came to visit and sat in one of my trees.
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I live in a rural area, so I see wildlife all the time. It is nothing for us to see deer, coons and possums. My husband leaves them all dry dog food at night. I grew up with a pet raccoon. Every time I took her to the vet, she had to have both canine and feline vaccinations. After a few years, she wanted to be free to find a mate, so I took her to a zoo where she would be safe. She sat in the front seat of my car and was still sucking on her bottle of milk. I cried the whole way home and days after.
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Lirie wrote: I do believe that is the fattest squirrel I have ever seen.
~Hi Lirie, thank you so much for stopping by. This squirrel’s fur coat is thick and gorgeous.
I feel like I needed this in my life right now. And I want to second your thoughts on nature and how it always serves as a canvas for creativity. I live in the desert now and miss the forests of my childhood something awful. But here, too, you find solace and inspiration in the sandstorms, the rolling dunes, and the hot winds. Thanks for reminding me. I know what my weekend plans are 🙂
~:) Though I’ve lived in many places with different settings, I agree the deserts are beautiful, but there’s something incredible about the forests. But, as you said, in each place nature offers unique things to see that are beautiful and inspiring. I hope you have a wonderful time on our outing. Take care, and I wish you a wonderful New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Debra Guyette wrote: Nature is amazing and would be a fantastic inspiration.
~Hi Debra, I appreciate your visit and comment. I wish you a wonderful New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Colleen C. wrote: I love looking outside and seeing what Nature has to share… today a falcon came to visit and sat in one of my trees.
~Hi Colleen, thank you so much for stopping by. Oh wow, how terrific to see a falcon. Very exciting. Take care, and I hope you have a fabulous New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Audrey Stewart wrote: I live in a rural area, so I see wildlife all the time. It is nothing for us to see deer, coons and possums. My husband leaves them all dry dog food at night.
~Hi Audrey, thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂 How neat that you see so many different animals; they’re amazing to watch.
I grew up with a pet raccoon. Every time I took her to the vet, she had to have both canine and feline vaccinations.
~Wow, thank you for sharing. I’ve never heard of a pet raccoon. They’re super cute and smart. I bet they’re amazing as a pet.
After a few years, she wanted to be free to find a mate, so I took her to a zoo where she would be safe. She sat in the front seat of my car and was still sucking on her bottle of milk. I cried the whole way home and days after.
~*Hugs* You gave her an amazing gift of love, and though tremendously difficult to let her go, you ensured that when you did, it was to a safe place here she could have a mate.
Take care, and I wish you a wonderful New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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I always enjoy reading your posts here on Delilah’s blog. Your pictures, as always, are beautiful.
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ButtonsMom2003 wrote: I always enjoy reading your posts here on Delilah’s blog. Your pictures, as always, are beautiful.
~Hi ButtonsMom2003, I appreciate your stopping by. Thank you for your kind words. I love photography, and I’m humbled that you enjoy my photos. I hope you’re enjoying the holidays, and may you have a tremendous New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Hey Dianna I love walking with you in the summer mornings with the dogs in tow. You help all of us stop and see something we didn’t see. Whether it’s lights on the leaves.. ducks on the pond..the falcons and Foxes!
Love being able to see them when you post them.
Grace Simba and Cruella!!
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I love your photos. Is that Ian or Isabel in the photo? Your description of walking in the forests makes me want to take drive up to the mountains. Not a lot of trees here on the desert floor, but I still love the empty vastness as it rolls out before me in the velvety sands. Thanks for both the nature pics you post and your amazing books. 😊
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Grace Bates wrote: Hey Dianna I love walking with you in the summer mornings with the dogs in tow. You help all of us stop and see something we didn’t see. Whether it’s lights on the leaves.. ducks on the pond..the falcons and Foxes!
~Hi Grace, thank you so much for stopping by. Wonderful to see you. Isn’t wildlife amazing! I saw a fox this morning.
Love being able to see them when you post them.
Grace Simba and Cruella!!
~*Hugs* My sincere thanks for your kind words. I love taking my photos, and I’m humbled that you enjoy them. Please give Simba and Cruella a hug for me. Take care, and no doubt I’ll see y’all in the near future. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Peggy wrote: I love your photos.
~Hi Peggy, I appreciate your stopping by. Thank you for your kind words.
Is that Ian or Isabel in the photo?
~:) This is Isabelle.
Your description of walking in the forests makes me want to take drive up to the mountains. Not a lot of trees here on the desert floor, but I still love the empty vastness as it rolls out before me in the velvety sands.
~*Hugs* Peggy. The forests as the dessert offers amazing beauty.
Thanks for both the nature pics you post and your amazing books. 😊
~My deepest thanks. I have fun taking pictures as writing, and I’m humbled that you enjoy them both. Take care and I wish you a wonderful New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Wow! These are some fantastic photos. I’m only just beginning to appreciate the nature I see around me here in New Mexico. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Anna Taylor Sweringen wrote: Wow! These are some fantastic photos. I’m only just beginning to appreciate the nature I see around me here in New Mexico. Thanks for the inspiration.
~Hi Anna, my sincere thanks for stopping by and for your kind words about my photography. New Mexico is gorgeous, enjoy the beauty of the nature around you. Take care, and I wish you a wonderful New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Nature is so fascinating, and your photos are very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing the pictures and your stories with us!
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Liz Tyner wrote: Nature is so fascinating, and your photos are very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing the pictures and your stories with us!
~Hi Liz, I appreciate your stopping by. I agree, nature is incredible. My sincere thanks for your kind words about my photography and writing. Take care, and I wish you a fantastic New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.
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Delilah,
My deepest thanks for inviting me back on your wonderful blog. Also, a HUGE THANKS to everyone who stopped by. *Hugs*
After a random drawing, the winner of the tote and mug is Grace Bates. Congratulations, Grace!
Take care, and I wish each of you a tremendous New Year!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.