Help... I need inspiration!

[coastie]

Hi all,

I am not active in this portion of the forum at all. However, you guys are the best ones for me to address this problem to.

I am an avid writer. I enter contests and submit short stories and articles all of time, and having been doing so for about 8 years. I've had minimal success (but so did Jack London so I don't get discouraged).

But lately I've hit a brick wall. I've lost my inspiration. I still have my artistic desire to write and create literary pieces, but the adjectives don't flow, the verbs don't surface and the story lines don't develop.

What do you all do for inspiration... I'm willing to try almost anything at this point.

Zach

 

[Kookaburra]

Well, I either read Psalms, or I make up a list of all my favourite, most discriptive words. I also put my favourite, ugly words, for the contrast. That usually helps. Then I think of something that changed history, subtly or in a big way. (ie, Old West, etc)....then I think of a smaller aspect of that. Then I write.
Don't worry if you lack inspiration. I have problems too--I lack motivation.

 

[Blessed-one]

what sort of things are you thinking of writing about?

for me, i'd take some time off doing other things, after that, it'll be easier to write. Reading other books and thinking during rest would work too.

 

[ServantOfTheLord]

coastie,

I find that when my inspiration is gone that so is the annointing. I write for the glory and edification of the Lord and I ALWAYS want to write but it is only sometimes that He allows me to write. So, I just take a break and I know taht when the Spirit moves me I will write again. Hope this helps.

in His Service,

Sandy

 

[coastie]

to the three of you,

thanks for the suggestions.

Blessed one... I write about anything and everything. I've tred it all.

Write now I'm more interested in stuff that I have to do research for (i.e. amazing stories, ship wrecks that sort of thing)

It's not that I have a lack of good uncovered stories, my words just aren't flowing like they did a few months ago. Maybe I should curb my caffeine intake, some people say that that can limit the capacity of the creativity part of your brain.

 

[panterapat]

I've written a couple of books (not published)and have had several short pieces published. I write about what I know. I write about my family, social issues, and my relationship with God. Tie these thisgs together and you have something to write about.
In
Christ. Patrick

 

[Sharky]

Inspiration? I can help out. What kind of story are you trying to do?

 

[Kookaburra]

Also, I find the easiest way to get excited/inspired for a story is to listen to music. Usually, those American ones (classical, hoedown, whatever) really get me into the mood for nature (dunno why), and most any mozart/beethoven classical gets me thinking back in time. Similarily, other music corrosponds with moods.
I have a suggestion--go out and buy a new classical cd, sit down and listen to it. Then write the first thing to come to your mind.

 

[coastie]

that's a great idea kookabura... I have some jazz cds at home that I haven't even listened to yet

 

[ZiSunka]

Maybe you just need a vacation coastie, or a break from writing. Give your brain a bit of time off and let it recharge itself naturally.

 

[Lost]

Hi Coastie!

Have you took a nice fishing trip lately?

Also, try the "new" section at your local library. Ours has a lot of non-fiction vhs tapes that give me ideas for my writing. Just browse and grab, I'll bet you find something to your interest!

 

[CJF]

I know this sounds completly stupid, but I watch a movie about the subject I'm writing about. (But that's mostly for add-on story's, but it still works) Like, for Medieval add-ons, I watch a Medeival movie(Like Robin Hood) Or, if it's a Space add-on, I watch Star Wars, Star Trek or Lost In Space or something. It really works!

 

[coastie]

All fantastic ideas!

I appreciate all the help ev everyone!

If I don't get my inspiration back with with all of these suggestions... it ain't coming back.

THANKS!

 

[oncewaslost]

it'll come back. it just might take some time. i agree with... ummm... forgot their name :o but with whomever said  to write about what you know. you could listen to the stories and experiences of people around you and then blend them together (or not, the choice is yours). being in high school i've heard a lot of stories... some i don't really care for but others are pretty good.