Watching my favourite shows and movies has always been a source of inspiration for me. The captivating stories, complex characters, and stunning visuals transport me to different worlds and ignite my creativity. Whether it’s the brilliant storytelling techniques, the powerful messages conveyed, or the exceptional performances by the actors, there is always something new to learn. Many things inspire me but today I’m talking about five TV shows and movies that inspire my writing.

It’s through these narratives that I find myself motivated to explore new ideas, push my boundaries, and pursue my own passions with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.

Of course, it’s not only me who draws inspiration from these movies and TV shows. My characters also love them. People have told me that The Manhattan Mishap features a whole slew of saucy pop culture references. And that includes nods to shows, movies, celebs. For example, when referencing a hit song from the early aughts, Margot Moss says: “Everyone knows you shouldn’t leave a job until you have another one lined up. I feel more foolish than Ashanti did in 2002.”

Drawing inspiration from movies and TV shows enriches my writing by offering vivid narratives and relatable characters that resonate with audiences. Each frame of a well-crafted film or episode serves as a tapestry of emotions, settings, and conflicts, sparking ideas that breathe life into my own stories. I find myself captivated by clever dialogue, unique plot twists, and the nuanced dynamics between characters, all of which inspire me to create compelling scenarios in my writing.

Whether it’s the humour of a rom-com or the tension of a drama, the visual storytelling in these mediums fuels my imagination, allowing me to explore new dimensions within my own narratives.

Five TV Shows and Movies that Inspire My Writing

Sex and the City

Somehow, after all of these years, Sex and the City continues to be an encyclopaedia of style, sass, and single life to me. A peek into the various types of men out there? Check. What not to do in a relationship? Check. How to look cute while skipping across a tree-lined Manhattan street? Check. I can’t get enough of this show. Last summer I rewatched the entire series for the hundredth time, plus the first movie. (Not the second movie though. Eek. No, thanks.) It never gets old. To me, it’ll always be classic and chic.

Here’s my tribute to the show in my first book:

“Liao, stop! I get it. Golden years, not showers.” We both laugh and reminisce on that episode of Sex and the City when Samantha goes home with the older, unbelievably loaded guy and finds diamond jewelry on her dinner plate. I swear, we relate half of our lives to that show. It’s like the Bible to us. I know people say it hasn’t “aged well” or whatever, but let’s just accept it for what it is: an iconic treasure full of high-fashion and saucy one-liners.

Desperate Housewives

If you’ve read my debut novel The Manhattan Mishap, you might have noticed a few references to Desperate Housewives. This show shaped me. Along with SATC. In high school, I used to host “DH Nights” at my house where my girlfriends would gather in my living room with snacks and comfy clothes, ready to binge watch the ladies of Wisteria Lane. I had all of the seasons on DVD. I miss those fun, innocent nights with friends. And by friends, I of course mean my own friends but also Gabby, Bree, Susan, and Lynette. (And occasionally Edie.)

As a teen, I thought my grown-up life might look a little more like Gabby: rich, gorgeous, soaked in style. Trust me when I say I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d end up having twin boys like Lynette. Anyway, here are a couple of lines from my chick lit novel:

After all, the best advice I learned from Gabrielle Solis when I was fifteen was to never buy a car without taking it for a test drive first. Even though at that age I really did think she was talking about cars.

Buy The Manhattan Mishap here.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

I first saw Breakfast at Tiffany’s as a young teen. I was instantly captivated by Audrey’s beauty, the glamorous outfits, the love story, the cheekiness. It soon became a go-to movie of mine. Especially if I was ever sick, all I’d want to do is curl up on the couch, wrap myself in a blanket, and get lost in 1960s New York. Here’s a sneak-peek from my upcoming novella, The Fashion Girl Goes Home, talking about my fave retro rom-com:

“I’ll take your fresh air and abundant nature and raise you iconic yellow cabs, skyscrapers, and the best vintage shopping in the world,” she’d decided one afternoon after watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the hundredth time. And that had been that. If Lulamae could escape a quaint countryside life and become the charismatic Holly Golightly, then Reese could also shed her small town skin and flourish in a pair of modern alligator heels procured from NET-A-PORTER.

The Devil Wears Prada

Serious question: Who isn’t inspired by The Devil Wears Prada? But did you know that it was a book first? That’s right. It’s a stylish, hilarious, and heartfelt novel by one of my favourite authors, Lauren Weisberger. It’s exactly the kind of book I hope to write one day. So, of course it’s also on the list of movies and TV shows that inspire my writing. Although, the book is a little bit different than the movie. For example: you don’t hate Nate in the book. That was a plot line manipulated for the big screen.

I can’t help but wonder: what stories and situations would be changed from my books if (and when) they became movies? A girl can dream. And one thing I’ve dream about is who would play The Manhattan Mishap characters.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

I’m obsessed with retro rom-coms. As you may have guessed. They’re so glam, chic, witty! Before kids, my husband and I used to do “Classic Cinema Sundays” where we’d watch vintage movies, eat pancakes, drink coffee, nap, and repeat every Sunday. I think we watched everything Audrey, Marilyn, and Lauren Bacall did, plus endless others. In my novel The Manhattan Mishap, I wrote about an underwear blunder and referenced one of my faves, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes:

This is the type of underwear I wear at home with a raggedy tank top while eating popcorn and watching Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, not when I’m trying to seal the deal with a hottie I just met in the bar! Why do I do this to myself?

Of course, there are many other movies and shows that inspire my writing. Countless others! The list never ends. But these are a few of the top ones. Off the top of my head, I can also think of Charade, Funny Face, How to Marry a Millionaire. What are some movies and shows that have inspired your writing? Or other creative endeavours.

5 TV Shows and Movies that Inspire My Writing