This will be the shortest post I’ve ever made on the Writer’s Guide. I hope. Because, you see, I promised myself I wouldn’t write this week. My wife and I needed to get away, and we’re not very good at doing that. But we made it. Here we are, in one of our favorite spots on the planet. The sun is bright this morning, the air is crisp, and a nice breeze laps waves rhythmically against the shore. I walked the dog. I made camp coffee. I’ll need to pee soon.
And that’s it. There is nothing else I have to do. My mind wanders. My fingers ache to write.
I’m inspired.
The inspiration is general. No specific story idea has come to mind. I’m glad for that. Because I’m trying to not write. I promised myself I would not write this week. Take a break, Rob. Regenerate. Come back strong next week. There is not even supposed to be a Writer’s Guide post this week!
OK, that’s what I’ll do. Maybe. The inspiration is strong.
Which got me wondering: What inspires you?
(I think that might become the headline of this rambling bit of conversation between me and all the Writer’s Guide writers. Yes, that’s it.)
What inspires you? What triggers your desire to write? Gets your mind wandering creatively? Gets your fingers going? Is it nature? Is it solitude? Is it a coffee shop? Is it your favorite spot at home or anywhere but home? Is it maybe yoga? Sex? Reading? Meditation? Try and figure it out.
For me, it’s the outdoors. Like this spot by the lake. Or a hike in the woods. Or even just a walk around the block. Shit just pops into my head when I’m out there. Story ideas binge me.
I’m inspired right now. But I’m going to honor my promise to myself and not do any writing this week. No Writer’s Guide posts. No health stories. No science coverage. Nothing. I’ll be back next week with a real guide, the sort of thing you should expect from a writing mentor and editor.
Just one last thought: Do cogitate on what inspires you, and let me know what it is—I’m curious! Then go do that.