by Sara W.

Created on: October 15, 2009

Inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places, and cannot typically be manufactured or conjured up. Writers can do things that help to encourage inspiration, and often find that tapping into the zen that is the writer's inspirational place is not so hard to do. Sometimes all it takes is a hot cup of delicious coffee or tea. Sometimes it's curling up in an oversized chair with a beloved book on a rainy day. Sometimes it's in the simplicity of enjoying a Spring sunrise and listening to a Cardinal call to his mate. Writers share this one thing in common: they are always on the lookout for inspiration, and their souls are attuned to finding it in everyday moments.

Inspiration in Nature

One of the most profound sources of inspiration for writers is in nature. Sometimes when a writer just needs to clear her head, she will take a leisurely stroll down a beach by moonlight, or go for a hike in secluded woods. Sometimes nature surprises us with inspiration, even when we are not looking for it, like when you are driving down a highway at night and a giant meteorite falls in your line of sight, taking your breath away. At other times we might find disappointment in a rain storm ruining our plans for the day, but then enjoy the beauty of a colorful rainbow set against a blackened sky. Nature is full of inspiration, for it has a calming effect and helps us to clear our minds of the day to day clutter that can stress us out. Nature reminds us that life is good and full of beauty.

Inspiration in Art

Writers not only appreciate art in written form, they also love to indulge in all other sorts of art as well. A favorite song, painting, or sculpture can be a wonderful source of inspiration. Writers often drown themselves in their music, as it helps to block out anything else that would vie for their attention. Authors often credit musicians with being the source of inspiration for much of their writing. Stephenie Meyer, for example, gushed with thanks to the rock group, Muse, for being a huge source of inspiration for her Twilight series. Paintings also inspire, in that they elicit emotional responses that make us want to be better people, or make us imagine that we are in a certain place.

Inspiration in Story

Writers are suckers for a good story. Whether the story is woven on the pages of their favorite novels, or acted out on the silver screen, a good story can be found almost anywhere. Stories like LOST, The Lord of the Rings, and Ridley Scott's Gladiator are all beautiful and inspiring stories. Any story that draws you in and makes you desperately wish that you could be a character in the story can be a wellspring of inspiration. Even the stories that are tragedies can be inspiring, if they lead you to think philosophically about them.

Inspiration in Conversation

Every good writer has at least one friend with whom she can mull over ideas. Whether it's in a long distance phone conversation, or an intimate conversation over coffee, a good friend challenges us to develop our ideas, and pushes us to be better writers. Many writers also enjoy participating in book clubs, intimate groups that read books together and then discuss and analyze them afterwards. Inspirational conversation does not even have to necessarily be about writing, it can be about any topic about which one is passionate.

Writers have a knack for finding inspiration in places that the average person would not see it. Inspiration is all around us, all the time. All a writer has to do is stop for a moment and take it in. And when you find that the moment of inspiration is upon you, be sure to grab your pen and paper and indulge your love of writing!

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