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Inspiration for the writer is like lightning - it rarely if ever strikes twice in the same place. We can be at any stage of our day to day activities, in any location, when without warning, the flash will go off and inspiration will have struck. What we have to do is ensure that we are prepared to harness the incredible creative energy potentially released by same and utilise it at a later and more convenient time to the greatest of effect.

The best way to ensure we are so prepared is to get in to the habit of carrying around with us at all times a small notepad and pen, or even better, a pocket Dictaphone. We have to ensure that the clarity provided by that inspiration when it strikes is not diminished by the passage of time, or even worse, that we should forget same and have it lost to us forever. As soon as at all possible, record either on the Dictaphone or in the notebook what the inspiration was and how we intend putting it to best use.

Just as scientists in modern times, however, are capable of artificially producing lightning, so too may we as writers attempt to do the same with inspiration. The chief way in which we can do this without any alterations in our schedule is to make sure we are as aware as possible of what is going on around us at all times. This could be simply by watching the passing scenery during a bus or train journey to work, observing people around us in a crowded bar or restaurant, or even watching how colleagues at work react in perhaps stressful or challenging situations. Knowledge and experience are the tools of the writer and it is not uncommon that through seeking such we will find inspiration.

It is also possible that inspiration may come from reading the works of our peers. The next time you finish reading a novel by your favourite author or an article by your favourite technical author, ask yourself how you would have approached the plot which they came up with or how you would have expounded the theory they discussed. I am not of course simply suggesting that you create a synopsis of their work and re-write it to your own interpretation but this can be a very worthwhile exercise for getting the creative juices flowing and helping to generate ideas.

Inspiration can also come through group discussion. A brainstorming session at a local writers' club, on an online writers' forum, even in a discussion at a party or other social gathering can often produce staggering results. This is all about exchanging opinions and getting other peoples' input on ideas. No two opinions are ever exactly the same and thus very often such as a throwaway remark can inspire the writer with a new angle to his work or a new idea altogether.

We have therefore looked at preparing ourselves for when inspiration strikes and how we may go about encouraging same. The final step in the process is to make sure that we make the most of inspiration and turn it in to quality writing. Otherwise, the issues discussed in this article will sadly all have been in vain.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
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