Refilling the Creative Cup: Finding Inspiration in the World Around Us
Photo of an art gallery courtesy of Pexels
As writers, we often hear the phrase, “Write what you know.” But sometimes, what we know can start to feel repetitive, uninspiring, or even downright empty. That’s when we need to step away from the keyboard and refill our creative cup. Fortunately, inspiration is all around us — if we open ourselves to it.
Lately, my writer friends and I have been exchanging recommendations on the latest book we’ve read, a TV show we’ve loved, or a podcast that’s captivated us. I’m also in a book club that meets monthly, and in addition to reading books together, we also share pop culture anecdotes and journalistic thought pieces that we think others might enjoy. These groups have exposed me to new ideas and helped me broaden my awareness of new sources of inspiration. In that spirit, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on where you might go for ideas if you feel a bit stuck with your project.
1. News Stories: What Sparks Your Curiosity?
Every headline tells a story, but beneath the surface lies untapped potential for creativity. I used to work as a journalist, and one thing I always craved was a satisfying follow-up to a major breaking news story. So for my first novel, I took two newsworthy premises — a child who goes missing in the woods and a ride operator at a state fair who faces scrutiny after a tragic accident on his roller coaster — and created my own “what happened after that” story to weave these two pieces together.
What kinds of stories catch your eye? Is it the human-interest pieces, the strange and unexplained, or the deep dives into global issues? How might you take a news story and imagine a different perspective, backstory, or outcome? Following your curiosity can lead to surprising and powerful ideas.
2. Podcasts: What Voices Speak to You?
Podcasts offer a wealth of perspectives and ideas, from niche topics to intimate personal narratives. What topics excite you? Which conversations make you pause and think? Whether you’re drawn to true crime, history, or creative storytelling, podcasts can broaden your horizons and introduce you to new ways of seeing the world. What would you create if you explored these ideas further?
3. Movies and TV: What Stories Resonate With You?
Great films and television shows can leave a lasting impression. Think about the last show or movie that moved you. What was it about the characters, conflicts, or visuals that stayed with you? Could you reimagine those elements in your own work? Let the storytelling techniques you admire become tools in your own creative toolbox.
4. Music: How Does It Make You Feel?
Music speaks directly to emotion, often without the need for words. What music do you turn to when you need comfort, energy, or clarity? How does it influence your mood or spark your imagination? Could the rhythm, tone, or lyrics inspire a scene, character, or theme?
5. Art and Photography: What Do You See Beyond the Surface?
A single piece of art or a photograph can tell countless stories. Which visuals draw you in? What emotions or questions do they stir? Spend time looking closely and imagining the untold stories within each frame. What moments or possibilities might you bring to life through your own writing?
6. Books: What Worlds Draw You In?
Reading widely is a great way to nourish creativity. Books can be our mentors and companions on this journey. What books have left a mark on you? Why? Was it the language, the structure, the themes, or the characters? How might you incorporate the techniques of authors you admire into your own work?
7. Everyday Observations: What Stories Are Happening Around You?
The world around us is filled with small moments that hold big potential. What catches your attention during your daily routines? Is it a snippet of conversation, a fleeting expression, or a unique interaction? How might you capture those details and let them grow into a story only you can tell? I like to type these snippets into my notes app and use them later to add realism to a story. Try jotting down what you notice and see where it leads.
8. Nature: Where Do You Find Peace and Wonder?
Nature has a way of grounding and inspiring us. Where do you go when you need clarity or a change of perspective? What do you notice about the colors, sounds, and textures of the natural world? How might those details shape your writing? Whether you’re inspired by a walk in the woods or a moment of stillness under the sky, let nature’s rhythms guide your creativity.
Your Journey, Your Inspiration
Inspiration doesn’t have to come from a single source; it’s about staying curious and open to what moves you.
What excites you? What questions do you want to explore? Step into the world with curiosity and let it speak to you. Keep a notebook or notes app handy, take photos, or simply pause to reflect. What stories are waiting for you to discover and tell?