I find inspiration by observing the world around me. I’m the sort of person who is often found staring out a window day dreaming. I find that ideas come more freely to me when I can relax my mind in this way. Or, if the weather is nice, I’ll take a walk along the river near my neighborhood. Below are some ways I find inspiration for my writing:
Nature: Give me a gorgeous sunset or rainbow any day! To overcome writer’s block, I find solace in nature.I am grateful to live in an area with a lot of parks and green space, which helps me to stay grounded. My favorite outdoor activity is to walk along the river near my neighborhood. I’ve always been drawn to water and I often am in search of it when I want to get the creative juices flowing.
Art: Art is a wonderful way to tell a story visually. I will often walk around my apartment staring at the art on my walls. And even if they’re pieces I’ve had for a number of years, I find their stories can be changed by the elements. The way the light illuminates them during the day casts quite a different vibe compared to the darkness of night. I like to sit and listen to what they’re trying to tell me on any given day.
Music: While I can read music and play instruments, I am in no way a musician. However, music plays an important role in my life. If I am looking for inspiration from music, I will focus on the “sound” of a song rather than the lyrics. I can get lost in the tone or the vibe of a song, finding a story being carried within the sound waves.
People: I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I find inspiration through interactions with strangers as well as friends. Or, I will also take a more voyeur approach and be a wall flower, silently observing a room and its interconnections.
Life can provide an endless supply of inspiration. Observing my surroundings provides a good way to find stories that are waiting to be written.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in light and it’s particular quality. The morning sun as it shines through a leaf on a tree. The full on rage of a mid summer sun as filtered by the deep green of a broadleaf, or the dying blaze of late autumn shining through all the golds, reds, yellows, and purples of a Great Lakes forest. Only catch that perfect light for a brief moment, so it is important to become aware.
Music has always inspired me, though for me it is an introverted inspiration, it feeds my soul with whatever energy I may be needing at that moment.
People….I’m afraid I’ve given up on people. Animals are more likely to inspire anything good within me.
Hello James and thank you for sharing what inspires you. While I consider myself a social person, I am also the one at a party playing with the host’s pets. I know the names of the neighborhood dogs more than I know the names of the owners. 🙂