Inspiration for the Weary Writer

I was lying on my bed not quite asleep, probably between 11 pm and 12 am. I was surrounded by scattered books and spiral notebooks with a pen and pencil waiting to be picked up. There I was trying to think of what my next writing could be about as I thought about what are the things that inspire me most to write. Here are some ideas that I have found to be helpful and can be to those that have aspirations of becoming a writer.

A Good Book- I t was only until recently when I started reading the Twilight series and in past occasions when I was reading poetry from the Books of Rumi and the well known Shakespeare that inspired me to write. Of course, these are "my good books," what inspires me. All of us have that one favorite book, collection of books or a particular writer/author that is able to transport us to another world. We are taken away with their words, that one or several books that we couldn't put down. Perhaps it is that a good book engages us with its characters and the story that surrounds them. Take that favorite story or character(s) and create your own.

Music- Music is known to be very therapeutic; it can provide emotional and physical healing. It has the ability to tap into our brains and help us express ourselves better. Somehow music opens my mind and I am able to think differently and creatively. Choose your favorite music accordingly, depending on your writing topic or the kind of mood you would like to create to make your words flow.

Nighttime- Writing at night could be a perfect activity for insomniacs, or if you tend to think or have better ideas during this time. Typically, nighttime is when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet, which helps to hear one's thoughts. Nighttime helps me to disconnect from all the activities and thoughts of the day and focus on my writing. I like the way Josh Tyson a parenting blogger for the New York Times said it best in his article on sleepless nights, "the simplicity of a quiet mind bearing creative fruit." So take advantage of the creativity that comes at night to write.

Dreams- What stories could you conjure up to explain that weird dream last night? Maybe you had a good dream that ended a little too soon and you were awoken by the alarm or some noise, you could always continue that dream on paper. Take something in particular that stood out from a dream and write about it. A dream could inspire a fictional love story, a humorous tale or even a chilling horror.

Writer's Desk- I think it goes without saying that having a desk to write on is somewhat essential. I typically write on my bed using a book upon my lap as support because I have not yet acquired a desk solely for writing. A writer's desk is a valuable commodity with all your writing tools; pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, journal, a pc/laptop and maybe a file with all your writing assignments and/or notes. When there is a space dedicated to your writing and everything that you need is at your hands reach, no time is wasted in looking; the mind is prepared and focused on writing.

Scenery- Nature can provide a vast compilation of ideas to write about. The autumn trees that paint the scenery with a blend of orange, red and yellow or the sun's rays breaking through the thick clouds. Try looking out the window in your room or go out and let yourself be captured by nature, it will open the senses. Nature's backdrop is ever changing with the seasons and your writings can vary from day to day. Beautiful scenery could inspire a poem or a journal entry.

Journals- When I see the display of journals at a bookstore, I long to fill the empty pages with my writings. So many things come into play when I see journals lined up on shelves, many different sizes, colors and some that include inspirational quotes or sayings. Journals make your writing limitless because they are so personal and you can write just about anything. You can record your personal thoughts, ideas and/or daily activities. Journal writing keeps the mind active and writer's block at bay. It can also be used as a free writing exercise to prepare you for your more serious writings.

Instructional Writing Books- A way to improve and stimulate your writing is through instructional books on writing. There are books that will help with writer's block, journaling, teach you how to write poetry and even help you discover your writer's voice. Instructional books are often filled with creative writing exercises and useful advice that will guide you along as you begin or continue your writing.

Whether it is your first time or you happen to be in slump, surround yourself with what inspires you most to write. Whatever it is that you see, read, hear, it can be something someone says, keep your eyes and ears open. You never know where your next writing idea can come from.