Writing inspiration. What does that mean to you? Is it just a cliché, or does it actually have the power to create excellent work, or offer you… nothing? It doesn’t matter what needs to be written; a press release, a whitepaper, a short story or a novel. It doesn’t matter if you need to write an article about the latest in cancer research or you’re writing a description for a vacation spot.
Before you even attempt to type in that first word on that blank piece of paper, you need to be inspired. You need to have an idea of direction. What are you trying to say? How do you want to say it? What are you trying to convey through that written piece? Writer’s Digest has a number of great selections for doing just that.
It doesn’t have to be a large project. Even the smallest of projects require inspiration, especially when you’re writing for a client. They know what they want, but you have to get on board – fast – and give them their vision on paper.
So where do you go to get that writing inspiration? As a writer, do you have your ‘go-to’ place for inspiration? I know some writers who go to the woods. Others draw a warm bath, complete with candles and bubbles and their tablet of paper. Others find inspiration in a simple walk. Still others find it while peeling a potato or while brushing the dog.
Inspiration is everywhere
You get the picture here? You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars to go to a writing retreat to be inspired. Just look around. Some writers don’t need quiet and solitude to write. Some do best at the local coffee shop or mall food court. Others find ideas coming to them at the oddest times, when they’re least expected.
That’s why, as a writer, always keep a small memo pad and pen handy. When that writing muse strikes, you’ll be ready. You won’t forget and have to wrack your brain for that neat idea for a subplot you came up with, or that part of a jingle, or a tagline. You always carry inspiration around inside you. You just have to listen.