I find the best time to write is shortly after waking up -- either in the morning or from a nap. I think it's because I'm more relaxed then, and my brain waves are in the right wavelength for doing creative things. If I'm stuck, I have only to get involved in something monotonous, like housework, cooking, or working out, and an idea will pop into my head. Again, I think it has to do with wavelengths.

Movies don't influence me very much, but books do -- not so much about plot, but more with the way I phrase things and the personalities of the characters I'm writing. Odd thing about books and movies: I tend to get more upset and grief-stricken about things that happen to fictional characters than I do with actual people. Maybe it's just the story telling; newspaper reports aren't exactly written in a fashion designed to tug at the heartstrings. Or maybe it's a character flaw on my part. Or perhaps it's because when I read or watch a good movie, I become totally absorbed by it -- I can picture the place, the people, all the little details so clearly in my mind. For that particular period of time, THAT is the "real world" for me. Most of the time, when I finish a book I've loved, or when a series that I've watched and loved comes to an end, I'll have a good cry, even if it had a happy ending. That world is finished for me, and the people in that world are dead.

Anyway... I'm rambling. Have a good evening, love. I'm envying your weather!