Defining Inspiration

inspiration  (ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən) — n

1.      stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc, to special or unusual activity or creativity

We can’t wait around for inspiration to hit like lightening during a storm. We have to go looking for it. If we open our eyes there’s something to arouse your mind everywhere you go. (not that kind of aroused… get your mind out of the gutter)

How do we get it? Put in a favorite piece of music,  pull up a Google search of your favorite artist’s work, or pop in that movie that makes you cry. Take all of the thoughts, sensations, and emotions that string of notes, or the painting stirs in you and turn it into inspiration. Define it into a story with your voice. 

There are times in every writer’s life we get into a rut. Nothing seems to work or we have ideas that burn bright then die out quickly. Maybe we need a new definition. Try going some place you haven’t been before. Even if it’s just a new restaurant or coffee shop.

We can’t all be world travelers, but we can armchair travel on some pretty fantastic websites. Walk the halls of the Louver, see Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, or explore a haunted castle. There are so many ways to seek and define our inspiration.

All that is well and good but how do we know when we’re really inspired? According to Webster’s Dictionary inspiration is physical and mental reaction to something that stimulates our mind.

If your heart races, you can see something so vividly in your mind, you can almost feel it under your fingertips. Perhaps it brings stirrings of an emotion. If you’ve had a reaction with both mind and body then you know you’ve truly been inspired.

So get out there and find an idea that not only sounds good but also gives you chills and fills your mind with imaginings.  

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