A little spice goes a long way

Scroll through the mix in my iPod, and you would be hard pressed to pigeonhole me. You’ll find thumping dance tracks, a little disco, some mellow singer-songwriter acoustics, rap and hip-hop, Kentucky bluegrass, a little classical. Current favorites range from Coldplay to the French electronic band M83 to Rihanna.

I have multiple personalities when it comes to music. Bad mood? I’m as likely to pick contemporary Christian tracks as I am to blare out some hardcore girl punk.

Browse my bookshelves, and it’s much the same. Works by feminist sci-fi writer Octavia Butler perch next to Steven King and Anne Rice books. The Game of Thrones series cuddles up next to Nora Roberts’ Three Sisters Island trilogy. There’s Austen and Hemingway here, a little Beth Moore there, and some Jean M. Auel to round things out.

Eclectic? Heck, yes. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

They say variety is the spice of life, and I’m entirely convinced that’s the secret to a well-rounded, happy human existence. While there’s something comfortable about a bubble, comfortable isn’t exactly what I’m going for.

Especially as a writer.

I believe in my core that music, books and art challenge us, inspire us, and often have the ability to shape us as people. And when we stay too nestled in one genre, we run the risk of settling into complacency. Which leads to mediocrity.

What’s the fun in that? And as a writer, why would anyone care to read us?

Creative friends, enjoy your favorite musician and your favorite literary genre. But once in a while, once a week or so, step outside your bubble and go with something new. Something entirely not “you.” Try it on and see how it feels.

I’m willing to bet you notice a difference in your outlook – not to mention your writing.