Writing Inspiration: How to Find Your Muse and Develop a Story

Writers find inspiration in all kinds of places, but rarely do they discover their muse while staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Even the most creative of accomplished of writers don't usually expect to be able to force their mind to come up with a great story-line without any form of prompting.

# Movement

If writers block hits you, or inspiration doesn't strike, get up and move about. Sitting and waiting lets your mind continue to remain in a stuck state, whereas movement allows your mind to wander and create. Walking in a natural environment, full of wildlife and wonder, may bring out your inner story teller.

# People watching

Sitting on a city bench watching the world go by can provide you with a myriad of subjects to write about. As you observe people, you may fancy one of them as a character in a story-line you then base around them, branching out until other features develop.

# Keep busy

If observing people or nature doesn't inspire you, stop putting pressure on yourself to come up with a story to write about. Instead, take up an activity which is far removed from writing. While swimming, hiking, jogging or bowling, you may suddenly discover your muse. At the same time your brain will ruminate, turning over ideas and presenting them to you when you least expect it.

# Environment

Make sure the environment you write in is conducive to creativity and clear thinking. The room you write in, if you're indoors that is, should be light and airy. Keep clutter to a minimum, and try to keep paper work organized and tidy. The temperature of the room should be comfortable, rather than hot or cold, and it can help if you're not distracted by other people or noise.

# Be prepared

Be prepared in case a lightening flash of inspiration strikes and you need to make a note of it. Carry a recording device, or notebook around with you where ever you go, so you're always ready to safeguard a useful or creative thought to help you develop your story.

# Look at the obvious

Quite often, the greatest story to be found and developed will be happening on your doorstep. Stories don't always need to spring entirely from a writers imagination. In-fact, drawing on characters you already have in your life, and experiences and things going on around you, may provide you with a wonderful springboard for a book or short story.

When seeking your muse don't try too hard, or you'll scare it away. Pressure doesn't help with creativity. Finding activities which either invigorate, or relax you, and taking your mind off of thinking too hard will produce the best results. Being prepared and making your environment writer friendly, will also aid your endeavors.

References,

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