Being a writer means being able to create even when you’re not inspired. As I always say, inspiration is fleeting. It’s a reaction to something that happens. But if nothing is happening to get you inspired, where does that leave you?
With that being said, we can’t sit around waiting for inspiration to hit us over the head. We have to go after inspiration; generate it, harness it, and then make it work on the page. Here are 5 ways that I get inspired to write.
Free Write
I make a point of writing something every single day, because it’s a muscle that has to be exercised. The more you write the better you will become at your craft. Some things you write are not meant to be shared. Most of it usually will not make sense, or it’s just plain awful. It may, however, be something you can work with later. Freewriting helps to release what you observe, feel, and think.
Read
In order to be a good writer, you need to be an avid reader. And not just within your genre, but all types of content. I immerse myself in books, blogs, and magazines. I also read poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and more. Reading helps to expand your language and generate ideas you may have never thought about before.
Listen to Music or Television
Yes, I said that right… listen! Having the television or music on in the background as I work provides so much inspiration. You’ll be amazed how many of my ideas come from music and movies. Give it a try!
Get Moving
When the pandemic first started, I began walking because I could no longer hit the treadmill at the gym. My daily walks allow much needed fresh air and exercise but also bring great poem ideas. Probably explains why a lot of my poems are grounded in nature.
Public Spaces
I can’t tell you how many poems I’ve written based on people-watching and eavesdropping. Sounds weird? Well, maybe for most. I pay attention to how people interact with one another, things they say, reactions, and more. It all makes for good writing.