Have you ever sat down to start writing and found it impossible to begin? If you have ever struggled to find inspiration for your writing then do not worry, you are not alone. One of the hardest parts of writing for many people is finding the right subject matter. Not only does the subject need to be one that would interest your reader, but it needs to be substantial enough to sustain an in-depth analysis and have enough scope for you to put your unique spin on the matter. Finding a subject does not need to be a long and tiring process; here are some of the best ways to find inspiration for your writing.
Get Into Nature
Many of the world’s best authors have credited walking in nature as the inspirational muse for their writings. The history of literature is full of examples of writers that would walk in nature to inspire their work. Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal: “Methinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” This relationship between walking and inspiration is nowhere more evident than with the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Thomas DeQuincy calculated that Wordsworth walked as many as one 180,000 miles in his lifetime, which is an average of 6.5 miles a day, starting at the age of five. Not only is nature the perfect backdrop for creativity, but the very act of walking inspires us. Without requiring much mental attention, walking leaves our minds free to wander, to mix the parade of images before us with our imagination, which is perfect for the formation of innovative ideas.
Listen To Inspiring People
One of the easiest ways to find inspiration for your writing is directly from other people. This might at first seem a little difficult; if you are writing on a more obscure subject matter then it is unlikely many people close to you will share this passion. That is when the Internet comes into its own: it is a melting pot of passionate and inspiring people. Whether you want to learn more about the history of Russian ballet or a racquet ball discussion, you will be able to find it online.
Read More
Reading and writing are inextricably linked; reading is how we learn new ideas and interpretations of the world and writing is how we express our own voice and perspective. Not only will reading prompt and inspire your writing, but it will also help you to technically hone your skills. The more you read, the more you learn about different styles, rhythms and uses of language that will impact the way you write. The more you read, the more ideas, hypotheses and arguments you encounter and in turn, the more thoughts and ideas you have about these encounters.
Have More Conversations
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote: “A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends.” While reading is a great way to expose yourself to different points of view you that wouldn’t naturally encounter, a conversation is the best way to learn why people think the way they do. Having conversations with people will help you to see your subject from a different perspective and consider angles you might not have thought of before.
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