Tea as Inspiration - Annie West

I was going to write about something deeply intellectual and thought provoking. You know, the sort of post that gives you a brilliant lightbulb moment. But I couldn't. Instead I succumbed to the lure of fascination and fun. I've had these pics in my camera for a while now and I just couldn't resist using them.

We have at home this packet of 5 tea bags, a gift from someone in Germany. I'm telling myself I'll open them soon and use them but I get so much pleasure just out of looking at them.

In case the pictures aren't very clear, each is a tea bag, suspended not from a string but from a cardboard cut out person whose arms stretch out to rest on the edge of your cup, so you can enjoy seeing the tea bag as it brews.

Each is a fascinating persona. Here we have in descending author a treasury of great authors: Voltaire, Schiller, Dante, Shakespare and Goethe. I love Dante's grumpy face and the fact that Goethe seems to be checking out the action just out of your line of sight. I'm looking forward to using these and drawing inspiration for my writing from one of the world's great writers. Surely it will be like osmosis. With Shakespeare or Schiller to help me the words are bound to flow. Yes?

And if you prefer to be inspired by people who don't have a literary background, my husband has some he's been using at work. So far I think he's used Jimmy Hendrix and John Lennon. Then there's a set with Sister Theresa, Nelson Mandela and interestingly, Che Guevara. And another set with British royal family members. Something for almost every taste. I'm wondering now about a set of famous Russian authors. Maybe a set of composers. And of course there are sporting heroes and current faces from public life. Who wouldn't want to dunk a politician when they had the chance?

So, what do you think? Would having these inspire you to write, or tackle whatever work it is you do? Who would you love to see on a tea bag, or coffee bag for that matter, that might inspire you? Famous romance authors? Family members? Titles of your unpublished works in book form? Gorgeous scenes? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Contribute an answer and I'll put your name in a random draw to win a book. As Undone By His Touch is a brand new release this month in the UK, I'll give away a signed copy of that. I'll post the winner's name here before the next post goes up, so keep your eyes open.