Writing Inspiration Is A Bottomless Well
How do you find inspiration?
I used to argue against the notion that writer’s block exists. Though I believe that this term is factually incorrect because you can always come up with something, your writing may end up lacking clarity and style, two elements essential to a good read.
Perhaps a more unambiguous explanation is to try to find the right words to build something you’ll be proud of–a masterpiece reflecting your knowledge, even passion for a particular subject. In that case I am right with you as I sometimes find myself needing inspiration.
When help is needed, I like to look at some of my favorites sources of writing inspiration a veritable bottomless well of resources to tap. Here are seven of my favorite methods:
1. Periodicals — Sure, much of what we read today can be found online, but there is something about newspaper print and the four-color look and feel of a print magazine that, well, inspires. Apple’s iPad may work in short order to make hard copies a thing of the past, so I’ll enjoy flipping and folding my newspapers until then or dog earring a favorite magazine article for future reference. Besides, sand and electronic devices do not mix!
2. Weblogs — Blogs have come of age with some operating as the definitive source for a particular subject matter. Easily, for articles about writing I can turn to Copyblogger and Freelance Folder, but some of my most enlightened times have come by reading the writings of an obscure blogger. Naturally, I cite as necessary.
3. Traveling — My family and I just returned from Wilmington, NC where we toured the Battleship North Carolina memorial, stayed at a new hotel, ate out at a different type of restaurant and went to church services Easter Sunday morning. New places, different faces can go far in helping breath fresh life into any writing project.
4. Coffee Houses — One of my favorite places to visit is a local Panera Bread shop. I love the coffee, but I also regularly run into people I know. Those conversations with friends can stimulate me to begin writing as soon as I return home as does “over heard” coffee shop chatter when familiar faces are absent.
5. Outdoors — Call it nature or name it exercise, in any case those times you take strolling around the neighborhood, walking through a park, climbing a hill or running, jogging, biking your way full speed ahead can inspire. When the weather is good I find that breaking up my day by taking a walk after lunch gets my mind in gear.
6. Sensory Stimulus — Some people find inspiration in the arts, others in music while still others in food. A vibrant painting, rousing anthem or the smell of freshly bakes chocolate fudge brownies wafting through the ventilation system can kick start the senses. Or at least remind me that I’m hungry!
7. Dreaming — Have you ever had a vivid dream and just knew that it offered to you inspiration? I have. I’m not the type of person who keeps a pad by his bed, because if the dream is that meaningful, then I know I’ll remember what matters. I’m a daydreamer too and have found that pushing away from the computer and allowing my mind to wander can soon bring me to a restful place, one where my mind isn’t weary from overwork.
How about you? Are there methods you use to stoke the fires of inspiration? Please share!
Photo Credit: Leonardini
See Also — Should You Schedule Your Blog Posts?
Tags: blogs, Copyblogger, Freelance Folder, periodicals, weblogs, writer's block
Writing | Matthew C. Keegan, 6 Apr 10
By LD Jackson, April 6, 2010 @ 6:18 am
Boy, did you ever hit the nail on the head, Matt. Sometimes, I have to struggle to come up with something meaningful. I would rather not write at all, than to publish something that is only half-written.
There are times when I get something stuck in my head that simply has to go to the keyboard. When that happens, I find that I can have nearly 1,000 words and wonder where it all came from.
You spoke of dreaming? Well, I have found some of my best inspiration laying in bed, right before I go to sleep. If I remember those thoughts when I wake up in the morning, the writing seems to come very easily. There has also been times when I am inspired by other blogs and by listening to the news on NPR.
.-= LD Jackson´s last blog ..Welcome Isaiah Roberts to Political Realities =-.
By Matthew C. Keegan, April 6, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Larry, struggling can be good. When we weigh our words, consider the subject matter and create a compelling article, we win as do our readers. Yes, sometimes just before I fall asleep or my first dreams are the most inspirational for me as well.
By Richard Atkins, April 9, 2010 @ 5:11 am
Something you didn’t mention is dictionaries. It may seem bizarre but sometimes when I’m blocked on a particular subject I want to write about, I just pick up the dictionary, turn to a random page and select a random word. Try and relate this word to the topic you ae struggling with and even if it’s bizarre this sets you up for a completely new perspective on how you could write about it. It’s not so much that I then follow that perspective but doing this a few times seems to almost shake me out of the ‘block’ and allow fresh inspirations to come through.
By Matthew C. Keegan, April 9, 2010 @ 5:14 am
Richard, what a novel way to get some inspiration! I’ll have to give that a try. I am constantly in my thesaurus, looking for words that better describe what I’m trying to say. Perhaps the dictionary (and thesaurus) holds the key, something I promise to try the next time my cranium needs something fresh.
By Laura Spencer, April 20, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
Thanks for the shout out to Freelance Folder. I’m glad you find it inspirational.
.-= Laura Spencer´s last blog ..Should You Write Your Own Copy? =-.