Where does the inspiration come from? It's the question I'm most often asked when interviewed.
For me, inspiration is found in many places. Almost always it comes when my senses are inflamed. For example:
1. The calming feeling of being outside is naturally inspiring. Walking with leaves at my feet, the sun on my hair and water flowing nearby is always invigorating and consequently, I find myself quickly jotting down notes. But it isn't only nature that does this to me.
2. I can find inspiration at the local mall as well. I generally find a nice busy spot and people watch. I create stories for the "characters" I see walk by. I listen, (yes, I know it might be considered rude,) to conversations. Some of my most favorite quotes have come from people I don't know.
3. On warm spring days you will often find me laying in a hammock with my eyes closed. If you, like my husband, were to ask me what I'm doing, you'd learn I'm working. Yes, napping, relaxing, long baths, all those also give me inspiration.
4. Music is another way I am inspired. Lately I've been using spa music, but I'm not picky, rock, hip-hop and rap have also worked depending upon what I'm working on. In fact, when I'm struggling with a particular story line, most often music is what will take me through to the other side of the challenge.
5. I'm surprised, but occasionally when I'm sitting down to a fantastic meal, it also stirs the creative in me. When food dances on my palate and the taste comes together to create the unforgettable, I can't help but record it all in detail.
6. Where else has inspiration called? Rose gardens, movie theaters, and the kitchen when I'm baking cookies or even washing dishes. It calls when I'm reading non-fiction or watching a documentary.
Really, inspiration is always calling to us. It's just that sometimes we become to busy to listen, to notice, to feel. So inspiration comes when we allow the muse to get our attention. Let your muse speak to you through your senses. The results are amazing. Good luck!
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D. Jean Quarles is a writer of Women's Fiction. She loves to tell stories of personal growth – where success has nothing to do with money or fame, but of living life to the fullest. She is the author of Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole and, Perception, her latest book dealing with the subject of death and the afterlife. The Mermaid, an award winning short story was published in the anthology, Tales from a Sweltering City.
She is a wife, mother, grandmother and business coach. In her free time . . . ha! ha! ha! Anyway, you can find more about D. Jean Quarles, her writing and her books at her website at www.djeanquarles.com
You can also follower her at www.djeanquarles.blogspot.com or on Facebook
Or you can just contact her at d.jeanquarles@yahoo.com
6 comments:
Interesting post. You're right. There are many ways to find inspiration even if you live in a tenement with asphalt all around.
I enjoyed reading your post---great advice to be open and listen to what's happening around us. I used to find that too often inspiration would come along exactly when neither pencil or paper were within reach (driving, in line at the grocery store or sometimes just when I'm drifting off to sleep). Now I have pre-positioned pen and paper in all my usual spots. Reading my notes written in the dark at midnight is still a little tough but I'm making progress. Thanks for sharing the post, Jean.
Great advice for seeking inspiration. I sometimes find inspiration in pain -- those difficult frustrations, irritations, and emotional wrenches that keep returning to stop you from relaxing. I see that as a driving force to get to the PC and begin working through it in writing form.
Thank you for a much needed dose of inspiration, Jean.
A change of season always inspires me, but you're right, people watching, the sounds of children's voices, or beautiful scenery can inspire creativity.
So true, Jean, inspiration is all around us; we just need to be paying attention.
Often we're rushing through life and dabs of inspiration may go unnoticed.
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