Write Things: On sources of creative inspiration

It's Thursday!

Summer is winding down here and I'm already feeling called to slow things down and slip more deeply into my writing. 

This week, I wanted to share some thoughts on how and where we can find inspiration to create. 

I hope you enjoy it.

Idea: On Creativity

Do you look inside or outside for inspiration for your stories? 

Many of the writer's I've worked with are attempting to capture something they've felt or imagined. For some, this means trying to recreate a specific feeling or experience for their reader. Others have a concept, a visual image, or a situation that comes to mind that they feel compelled to explore or share through their story. 

Without getting too 'into the weeds' in a strict definition, I would call this 'inside' inspiration. 

But while working with a small group of writers, I was reminded of how much inspiration is available to us if we shift our attention from our internal experience to our external experience. 

One writer created a charming story involving an endearing "Forrest Gump" like character that was inspired by an interesting individual she watched walk into a pharmacy. 

The eccentric nature of this individual made the author curious about what her potential backstory might be. From this, her story was born. It received great reviews from the group.

Another author in our community has an exceptional eye for the small details of life. She observes the micro movements we make as we settle into a chair, lock a door, and fold laundry, then imagines a character who does things a certain way, a unique way, and from this a story is born. 

If we choose to be mindful of what we are presently aware of, we can find an infinite source creative inspiration. 

Inspiration: Quick Write Prompt - "They didn't want to be there"

Set a timer for four minutes and begin writing about whatever comes to mind. See if a personal or fictional story emerges. 

As always, I'd love to hear what you wrote! Reply to this email or send it to [email protected]. I personally reply to each one received before next Thursday. 

Invitation: To observe

Give yourself permission to be fully & curiously present in the moment. 

Observe your surroundings using all five of your senses and allow yourself to wonder. 

Why did they do that?

What's going on in there?

Where are they going?

How did that feel? 

What will happen next?

Observe the questions that arise within you and use them to create a piece of writing. 

Maybe it's a quick write. Maybe it's a scene in something you're currently working on. Maybe it's something else entirely. 

Regardless of what you write, you'll be practiciging using your 'outer' experience as a source of creative inspiration. 

Who knows where it will take you and your writing?

Happy creating everyone.

Sincerely, 

Trevor Martens

Founder, I Help You Write Things