It's a natural question to ask, but it can be just as hard for some authors to answer this as it is to come up with the "elevator speech." My bio page (on the right there) goes into some detail about my inspirations for my current works in progress, but that's no elevator speech. Which got me to thinking what it is about this query that bothers everybody so much.

The same is true of writing. There are multiple skill sets at work here: the ability to research (possibly), deep reading (to understand themes of other authors and engage with them in your own work), understanding narrative (plot, narrative tension, setting, character, etc. etc. etc.) the actual writing (technicalities like grammar and sentence construction, poetic ability, vocabulary, mood), an imagination, an understanding of tropes and how to bend them, just enough to be new but not totally out there...and the list goes on and on.
So again: Where do I get my ideas?
1. From what I read: I see divergent storylines, or ways to fulfill my anticipation if the actual writing did not. I also absorb character types, environmental description, the setting of mood, and dialogue patterns.
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It was so thoughtful of someone to take such a pretty picture of me ;) |
2. From what I see and hear: my stories are shot in full trillion-dollar color in my head-then I find the words to describe what I see in my mind's eye. A collection of movie aesthetics, sounds, actor mannerisms, lighting, framing, perspective. Inspiration has come from tense strains in music-like the theatrical accompaniment of a musical movement. It promotes mood production and emotion.
3. From what I've experienced: Places I've been have given me plenty of inspiration- places that speak of the past, or promise the future. Where I've traveled. The activities I participate in. Everyday circumstances and practicalities.
4. From daydreaming: experimenting with my characters, allowing them multiple possibilities to understand behavior, predictability, authenticity.
To summarize: if you're looking for inspiration, some things you can do that might help you: Reading, Writing, Observing, Living, and Dreaming.
There. I've given you the keys to the universe. Use wisely.
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