How to Find Writing Inspiration
If you’ve talked to any writer about writing, you’ve talked to one writer about writing. There are as many ways to find writing inspiration as there are writers. When it comes to receiving writing advice, remember to only take what serves you.
On this blog I’m usually writing from the perspective of a career writer, not a casual hobbyist. Which means you’ll find my advice is geared towards that perspective.
For example, this advice:
You don’t need inspiration. You need a routine.
Writing inspiration doesn’t come to those who wait. (Here, I found this grain of salt, you should take it.) This is the most woo-woo thing you’ll ever hear me say on this blog: writing is like a relationship.
What makes a relationship work? (Oh hey, a can of worms!) Before we disappear down that particular rabbit hole, let me just say this: most people can agree that a good relationship takes consistent communication.
If you’re looking to start a career as a writer, or even just turn it into a little side hustle, you can’t wait around for writing inspiration to show up without being invited.
You need to write regularly, often, and set goals for your writing.
Note that I didn’t say you need to write 1,000 words every day. I honestly don’t think that’s the secret to success. You need to find a routine that works for your lifestyle and your goals, and then stick to it.
Developing a writing practice is not about waiting for inspiration, it’s about gathering the writing tools that help you succeed
My go to places for writing inspiration:
Get Out of the House (Virtually or actually. Virtual museum tour anyone?)
Other Artists (Read. Watch videos. Documentaries. Movies. Music.)
Change Mediums (If you normally type, try pen and paper. Or maybe paint or sidewalk chalk, the world is your oyster!)
When all else fails? Give yourself permission to write terribly. I think sometimes what’s holding us back most is wanting to write something that seems, well … inspired.
“Every good writer needs a good editor.” - A bunch of people, and also me.
One of my favorite pieces of writing advice comes from Anne Lamott in Bird by Bird: write a sh!tty first draft. You can always edit a bad page, but you cannot edit a blank page.
So what are you waiting for? Get writing.
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About the author
Abby Bland (she/they) is a nonbinary writer who also straddles the line between comic and poet in Kansas City. Her poems have appeared in numerous publications and she regularly produces shows in the KC area. In 2022 she was awarded an ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for her one-person spoken word comedy show You Are Here.