Do You Lack Inspiration – Look Around You.

Many creators share their frustration when they struggle to find new writing ideas.

Writer's block can be tough. A lack of inspiration often leaves writers feeling down. A creative slowdown when facing a blank page for hours can also be depressing.

There is that little voice in your head telling you, "You're a failure.”

There are all different types of writers. Some people write every day, others a couple of times a week, or even less frequently. Articles tell you that if you are serious about writing, you need to write every day.

As a young writer starting out, I panicked if I didn’t produce something every day. Writing is about expressing feelings. It's a way to share what's on your mind or a fantasy you've turned into a story. You hope someone will read it.

I’ve come to see that if I’m not feeling inspired on a specific day, my work often doesn’t meet my standards. Later, I might just think, “Yeah!” Could have done better.”

Variety is the spice of life

One problem I have never had is a lack of inspiration about what to write, but I will come back to that. Specific genres are more challenging to produce stories in than others.

“No shit, Sherlock!"

I am a big proponent of trying different things and mixing it up. Creators like the talented Marie381Uk and Kelli Sheckler-Amsden shine in poetry. Marie381Uk has over 1,965 stories, while Kelli boasts more than 2,176. Both write several stories each day.

I follow several people, such as Mike Singleton, Paul Stewart, Rachel Deemming, and Denise E Lindquist. They are prolific writers in different genres.

If you have found your forte and are skilled at it, then writing in that genre will not be a chore, but a pleasure.

I have yet to find my true genre. I’m exploring fiction and poetry to strengthen my roots as a writer. My journey started with research stories.

My point is that there is a lot to be said for trying different things. If we never tried new things, like different foods, we’d eat the same meals every day.

Joining Vocal challenges in different communities is a great way to get inspired. You can also take part in unofficial ones. Mikeydred is an excellent source of these, such as his current list of May challenges.

If you are into poetry, then Elli Hoovs is running a Wonderland Poetry prompt for May.

Inspiration is all around us.

I have a list longer than my arm of potential topics or story titles. The trick is to get used to writing these down when they come to mind, and, secondly, to keep your eyes open.

Stories are everywhere you look.

• The news is an excellent source of inspiration. Headlines or stories about what people have done can be great prompts for stories.
• Movies can inspire your next fiction story.
• Look around at nature.
• Think about an experience that you had when you were younger.
• Something you would like to do in the next year.
• Your latest holiday or day trip.
• A comment you make on someone else’s story that you think could be added to.

Everywhere you turn, I bet there's a story.

I am not saying that they will all be bestsellers, far from it. I realized a while back that, with so many stories shared daily, your stories struggle to stand out.

If you don't write for a living, you write because you love it. It brings you joy and fulfillment.

The stories created by the above authors are diverse and cover a wide range of topics, regardless of genre. They have developed the ability to find inspiration anywhere and everywhere.

It's not difficult, but it does require practice. So, your challenge is over the next day or so to come up with a list of ten new story topics you get from looking around you.

See how you go; you will be surprised.

Let me know how it works.

Till next time,

Calvin