Inspiration for creative writing
I can’t speak for everybody, but when I want to write a piece of creative fiction I want to express something intensely emotional. If I don’t feel the right emotions when I write then how can I expect my audience to pick up on them when the work is read?
But what if I’m struggling to find the right mood? Where do I turn for inspiration?
I’ve always believed that any author or prospective author should read – a lot. If I’m toying with the idea of writing about something tragic then I’ll turn to one of my favourite novels by an author who nailed the emotions and sense of tragedy for me. If I want to write about travels abroad, I’ll turn to a writer I love who has written their own account of foreign travels.
I don’t copy the story, or even the style. But by reading, or remembering how I felt and what I noticed about the way a book was written, I can put myself into a suitable frame of mind. It gives me food for thought in the same way that factual research can and often inspires an equal amount of story planning and fact finding as well as actual writing.
If you’re struggling for inspiration why not return to a favourite author, or find a new one who writes in the genre or subject area you’re planning to follow. You might be surprised where the journey takes you and it may even inspire you with an idea of what you definitely don’t want to do.
Even if you read merely to distract yourself from the frustration of deleting word documents, a good book is often a strong encouragement to pick up the metaphorical pen. If you can imagine thrilling your readers as much as your favourite author thrills you, what more incentive do you need?
Writing shouldn’t be easy, but it should be fun and emotionally fulfilling. Don’t confine yourself to an empty room with just a clock and your laptop. Take a novel to the sofa, stick the kettle on, and settle down for a good read. Your writing deserves it!
