More than an inspirational voice

Okay, let me get this out of the way: Yes, handsome hubby, you ARE better looking than Adam Levine, and while it may *seem* like I have a small obsession with the Maroon 5 frontman this past week, I assure you, it's strictly from a research/writing point of view.

Moving on.

It's no secret I'm a fan of reality-based talent shows, and for years have followed American Idol, despite my favorites almost never winning the title. If not for the addition of Stephen Tyler and Jennifer Lopez a couple of seasons ago, I may have forfeited the show for good...

I think Idol's days - for me - are done. Stephen and Jen are off the show this season, and last year, I fell in love with a new reality-based sing-off - The Voice.

Admittedly, a lot of that has to do with Adam Levine. Sure, Blake Shelton has some country charm, and Cee-Lo is funny in a creepy sort of way, and I'm vaguely intrigued by the hot mess that is Christina. But really, I'm invested in Adam - the way he begs for the artists he wants, how my heart aches when they choose another coach (are you NUTS, people?!), the way his face lights up when the sane people DO choose him.

And then I heard this new Maroon 5 song...



...and something creative popped.

I'd been struggling with a character/plot point with HEARTLESS for a while, and something about the lyrics, or the video, or just Adam Levine's voice/face/smile/ unlocked the key to my writer's block.

Despite being down and out with a cold for a couple days, Sunday turned into a fairly productive writing day - and I'm pretty sure I have Adam (and of course, YOU handsome hubs) to thank for that. But why stop the creative drive at Sunday?

I'm so close - SO close - to finishing the first book in this series that I know if I applied myself I could  be typing THE END by the end of the week. Since Adam did such a great job this weekend, I figure it couldn't hurt to cast him in the role of MUSE AVATAR for the WHOLE week.

Have a great week! I know I will.

- Dawn

The Book In My Bag Today: Carnival of Souls, Melissa Marr