Thomas Edison said “Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.” 

Without the one percent of inspiration, all the perspiration in the world is only a bucket of sweat.  So where do writers find that all-important inspiration?  An informal poll revealed the following sources:

Books.  Not surprisingly, writers are great readers.  We find inspiration in the works of others.  Not to be confused with plagiarism, this kind of inspiration comes when we read a story we love and are inspired to create our own stories that will soar as high, or plunge the depths of emotion as deeply. Sometimes, a situation in a published book captivates us and we play the ‘what if’ game.  What if Scarlet really had married Ashley? What if the heroine didn’t die at the end of Love Story?  What if a woman’s first husband came back as a ghost?

Movies.  Stories on the big screen spark our imaginations with new visual images, twists on old plots, or a reminder that good love stories are so emotionally satisfying.  If you’re feeling rusty on your scene-setting or dialogue, a good movie can give you pointers and, yes, inspire you to improve.

Music.  Most writers I know love music.  Whether it’s mournful blues or lively Celtic melodies, many writers find listening to music while they write unlocks the words from their brains and sparks new ideas.  A SARA recently related how the plot for her next book came to her while listening to a song.  The character in the song intrigued her so much, she wanted to write about a man like that and explore his story further.

Art.  The next time you’re stuck on a story, try visiting an art museum or gallery.  As you contemplate the works of art on display, ask yourself what the people in the pictures are doing.  What is their story?  Could you make it your own?

Eavesdropping.  I’ll confess, this is a favorite source of inspiration for me.  Coffee shops, grocery stores, and shopping malls are boundless sources of inspiration as I listen in on the conversations of strangers and observe their interactions in air conditioned comfort, which, as serendipity and the length of this column would have it, brings us to. . .

Perspiration.  If only inspiration could write our stories for us!  Alas, the time comes to leave the cool of the mall and museum, emerge from the darkness of the theater, turn off the music and lay aside other books to face the blank computer screen.  No matter what those who have never done it protest, writing is hard work, as wearing as digging ditches on some days (and almost as much exercise if you get up out of your chair and pace around as much as I do.)  But persevere and I promise you, it will get done.  Every book is written a word at a time, a page at a time.  Blot the moisture from your brow, sip a cool drink, and revisit the inspiration that prompted you to begin this daunting project, then get back to work.  You can do it!