Inspiration. This is something I struggle with constantly. Where does it come from and how do I keep it?
I haven’t exactly found the answer to this yet.
Personally, I deal with writer’s block constantly, and I am always looking for new sources of inspiration. As someone who loves to write, I find this to be incredibly frustrating. When looking at writers I look up to, it seems as though they are able to constantly produce content and never burn out.
I, on the other hand, go through periods where I can write for hours everyday, and then I’ll go weeks without writing at all. I hate the inconsistence, but I haven’t been able to commit to a daily schedule. Life and other commitments just get in the way sometimes.
So, how do you handle this?
Remember that it’s ok to take a break
Breaks are necessary. It’s important not to overwork yourself because you’ll end up burned out really quickly. I do not believe that a writer must write everyday. Sure, it definitely helps. But as long as you are practicing your craft often enough, at least 4-5 times a week, then you are fine. I’ve definitely even had extended periods where I didn’t write outside of school because I just couldn’t.
That doesn’t mean I’m not a writer. Exhaustion will not produce your best work. So take a nap, meditate, go for a run, etc. Writing can be done at any time.
…But don’t take too long
Yes, it is important to take a break sometimes, but don’t use it as an excuse for not writing. I am definitely guilty of this. I tell myself that I need a break or I need some time to rest, and then I never end up writing.
Sometimes you just need to force yourself to pick up that pen and paper. You don’t always need INSPIRATION necessarily, you just need MOTIVATION.
Usually the hardest part of doing anything is actually starting. If you have been dealing with “writer’s block” for a while now, then I want you to go and pick up a pen/pencil/marker/crayon/whatever and just w r i t e.
Let out whatever it is you’ve been holding in. Yes, you. Right now.
You might find that once you start, you won’t be able to stop, and you’ll forget why you were struggling so much before.
Remind yourself why you love it
Why are you writing to begin with? Writing is hard, and can be very painful at times. But if you’re doing it because it’s something you love to do, then you can push through the unbearable parts.
Just taking the time to remind yourself of this can be very beneficial. It can be the extra push you need.
Where I get inspiration:
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, and it usually changes every time I write. But, here is a list of common places I get it from because I feel like it could be very useful
- past poems/stories i’ve written
- other poets
- lines from books
- song lyrics (this is a big one)
- conversations i overhear
- life experiences
- pictures
- dictionary- finding synonyms of random words (sounds strange but works)
- movies
- going outside for fresh air
I am a firm believer that consuming media allows you to create better. You learn from others, and you also develop your own style. You find what you like, as well as what you don’t, and use that to make your own art.
Where do you get inspiration? Leave me a comment letting me know down below! I love to hear the process that other writer’s go through :)
