While writing my second book, I’ve noticed that there are days I just don’t feel like writing. I get down on myself, question my story, and struggle with getting motivated when I do have time to write. There are few things that have become my ‘Go-To Inspiration Index’, and I hope you will try a one or two to help you on those off days.
1. Encouraging Quotes
This may seem a little lame, but there is something about encouraging words that lift me up every time I get caught up in a pity party. The easiest way I’ve found to find quotes I love, with an artistic touch, is to search Etsy.com. My most recent favorite is a quote by Abraham Lincoln that has undergone a hipster makeover…
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Mary Kate McDevitt is the artist that has transformed this quote into a beautiful piece of art, that I’d love to hang in my office and read every day! She has some beautiful work at her Etsy.com store, and it may just lift your spirits like it did mine!
2. Author Friends
This might seem a little cliché, but let’s be honest with ourselves, our friends remind us that people actually like to hang out with us! Now, if you’re struggling to find friends that have the same interests you have you’re in luck… There’s this little social media website called Twitter…
But for realz! Get on Twitter and interact with peeps. If you need to take baby steps, create a Twitter account and tweet me (@KallieRoss). We can talk about writing, we can encourage each other, and you can make more friends along the way, just use the hashtag, #LoveWriteCreate, and you’ll be making friends left and ‘write’! (See what I did there.)
And, don’t forget Facebook. You can integrate Twitter and Facebook, and make twice the friends!
3. Read
Get out that novel that inspired you to write in the first place, and read it again and again. Or, go buy that book that everyone has been talking about and take a few days to fill your thoughts with the worlds that other brilliant authors have created. There is nothing better than reading a crazy plot, set in an even crazier world, to affirm that you’re not that crazy!
4. Pinterest
Pinterest is a website that allows for you to ‘pin’ pictures and ideas on ‘boards’. The boards can be public or private, and you can create boards for your books, characters, or all of those recipes you wish you had the guts to try and make. I love finding a picture of the dress that I imagine my character wearing, and pinning it to a board dedicated to her quirky taste. I also love pinning pictures of my imaginary cast for a novel, and pictures of the beautiful settings I see the story taking place in.
Pinterest is a collection of inspiration all in one place, and when I need a writing break from my story I can create and play with the ideas I have, and make them a visual spectacle for all to enjoy!
5. Nature
I know this may seem radical, but you may have to get off your booty and get out into the fresh air to feel inspired. Whether you go to a place that reminds you of your story, or you just go for a walk in the neighborhood, you’ll get your blood pumping. I could insert info here on how all of the blood pumping is good for your brain activity, but I’m not a doctor. Just know that it is a great help to me to get out into nature when I’m facing a writer’s block that I just can’t get over… I usually find that there is no way to get over it, but by hiking I can find a way around it. It’s all about being creative!
6. Music
A lot of authors like to listen to music while they write, and I’m one of those kids. The one thing that I may do a little differently, is I like to listen to music that my main characters would listen to. So, if the setting of my story is a place with no electricity, then I tent to listen to music that is played with acoustic instruments. If the story is set in a tribal setting, then I listen to music with a tribal beat. The music tends to inspire me to write that character or scene more thoughtfully.
FYI, Pandora.com is an excellent place to set up stations that may inspire the different stories you’re working on. You can make stations that include specific genres of music, or include specific artists.
7. Research
Ok, I saved the best for last. (Note: Sarcasm)
I actually like to do research, and I like to do it as I’m writing my WIP (work in progress). Research can vary from naming characters to looking into the effects of a nuclear holocaust. Just because you research it doesn’t mean you have to use it, but it can really help you find your way if you’re stuck in a rut. I do advise you to make sure your research is backed by more than one website, if you’re doing the research online. Alternate forms of research that are inspiring include interviews, brainstorming, and watching documentaries.
I will try to add more things that inspire me as I continue to write. I have a feeling they will evolve in the same way my writing does. I hope that you find some of these ideas/thoughts helpful, and that they encourage you!
