Ceri Grenelle | What Inspires Me

I can be inspired by a myriad of little details. How my cat meows like something is out to get her, though we are the only ones in the apartment. How simple snippets of overheard conversation can be the base of a supporting or main character. But one of my favorite ways to find inspiration is watching TV or a movie, where I can discover a variety of perspectives from the comfort of my couch.

I know, I’m a writer. I should be seeking inspiration from the written word or from observing society. But hey, I don’t always write about the real world, as made clear by my new release, TO MATE AN ASSASSIN. So in honor of spending weekends binge watching new movies or TV shows, I give you the top five most recent films and/or TV shows that I have drawn inspiration from.

1. Beyond The Lights – The first thought that came to my mind after watching this movie was I feel like I just read a contemporary romance novel. The characters were so well defined that I came away from it with a yearning to start writing another contemporary romance novel ¼which is exactly what I did. It’s been weeks since I first saw this movie, but it has become one of my go-to references of a relationship that is made strong by it’s willingness to put it’s vulnerabilities on display. This movie is not to be missed. Oh, and there is an awesome soundtrack.

2. Sense8 – Netflix originals for me have been hit or miss. Some just fall flat and others are gems worthy of more than online viewing. Sense8 is a miracle to me. Not only does it craft a world that is exciting and believable, but by the end of the season, if you aren’t in love with each of the protagonists then you’re doing something wrong. It would also be remiss of me not to mention the well-defined voice Sense8 gives to the LGBTQ community. This show is a definite watch for people who like some sci-fi and fantasy mixed in with genuine humanity.

3. Anime – Anime is a tough sell for adults. It’s a sometimes bizarre art form, especially for westerners. The tropes and themes can border on creepy, even in the most innocent of anime TV shows. But if you look beyond the oddities, you can find a world filled with wonder, love, and some spectacular visuals. For first time viewers I would recommend Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki. It won the Oscar for best animated movie back in 2003, and for good reason. If you’re looking for something a little more sweet and a little less fantastical, From Up on Poppy Hill is a great, simple romance set in post WWII Japan.

4. Marvel’s Agent Carter – For a kickass heroine working her way through a misogynistic society, look no further than Marvel’s Agent Carter. This character first appeared in the Captain America movie, but has since been given a mini series that, in my belief, was one of the most feminist shows on TV this year. I love superhero movies, especially those connected to the Avengers franchise. But where are all the female superhero’s movies? What makes Agent Carter even more badass is that she has no superpowers! She uses her intelligence and physical prowess to get the job done, and even has a male English butler as a sidekick who defers to her judgment. You can’t go wrong with that formula!

5. So You Think You Can Dance – Yes, it’s a reality competition show, but this is one of the most underrated shows on TV. Dance is a full body experience, for the performer and the viewer. The young competitors on this show quite literally throw their hearts and souls into each dance, no matter the genre or tempo. For those out there who say that watching dance is boring, you can’t tell me that if you watch Magic Mike you wouldn’t be affected by the way those bodies move. This show isn’t of course blatantly sexual, but the talent is enough to fuel your inspiration tanks for a good long week until the next episode airs. If you don’t want to wade through the typical reality show host and judge speeches, go online and watch some of the dances. I’m sure there is a list somewhere of the top ten dances from all twelve seasons.

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About Ceri Grenelle

I've always had an active imagination. An imagination that usually took form in the way of zoning out in the middle of conversations. I eventually decided it was time to share my daydreaming with the world and began to put my musings on paper. It started with Harry Potter fanfiction and grew from there.

I am currently living it up in Northern California after a big move from New York City. And by living it up I mean staying home with my cats, obsessively watching episodes of my favorite TV shows, all of which are extremely geeky, and simultaneously reading the next book on my reading list. I do all this while trying not to pig out on unhealthy snacks. As you can tell, I lead a busy life.

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About TO MATE AN ASSASSIN

Love is her enemy…until his beast sets her free.

Cymbeline Kendall’s life is quiet, solitary—until a letter appears in her P.O. box. Then she becomes an Incendiary, a human chosen at birth to be trained to strike like lightning to take out the most dangerous of the Werekind, then fade back into the shadows.

She is a weapon only to be used by the leader of North American shifters. But when she learns the Alphar was unseated three years ago, she sets out to find who’s been pulling her trigger.

Kerrick Masterson has borne the burden of leadership for only a short time, yet he already feels the Alphar power tempting his soul toward the insanity that destroyed his predecessor. He has no time for the woman who breaks into his compound claiming to be his Incendiary, but his beast insists he make the time—for his mate.

In one searing, soul-consuming breath, everything Cymbeline was taught to believe is ripped away. Yet the mystery of who’s been sending her orders remains…and finding the answer could lead to all-out war.

Warning: Contains an assassin who doesn’t tolerate those who hurt the weak, and a shifter leader determined to unlock his new mate’s repressed emotions—even if that puts his balls at risk. Explicit sex, violence, and references to abuse that could be rough on sensitive readers.