Thread: Inspiration for writing

What gets you to write and why?

I start wanting to write after I've read a chapter of a book. I like reading, but I am too lazy to do alot of it. Requires too much physical movement

Well, what inspired me to write my anthology series I just started was actually The Twilight Zone. Each short story will have surreal elements just like in the show, though all will take place in modern reality. I like sci fi and unrealistic stories, everyday life is usually boring for me when writing...

Originally Posted by helium

What gets you to write and why?

Short answer: Music

Long answer: Music takes me to fantastic places, places I like to write about.

Reading for sure, some movies, the constant barrage from my friends and family about how talented I am and how I need to quit wasting it and chase this thing (I'm sure most writers have that one!). Also, I know how good I feel after a productive night of writing so I make myself sit down and do it.

Originally Posted by helium

What gets you to write and why?

I start wanting to write after I've read a chapter of a book. I like reading, but I am too lazy to do alot of it. Requires too much physical movement

I like your avatar, by the way.

To answer your question: reading often gets me in the mood, as does jotting notes down for my various projects (I consider that different from the actual writing process). Listening to classical music very loud also revs the literary engine.

Originally Posted by philistine

Listening to classical music very loud also revs the literary engine.

When I listen to Bolero I want to write sex scenes (that don't include Peter Cook), but my Zimmer frame keeps tippimg over.

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

When I listen to Bolero I want to write sex scenes (that don't include Peter Cook), but my Zimmer frame keeps tippimg over.

You could combat that with some Schoenberg. Powerful stuff. Angry, powerful stuff.

Originally Posted by helium

I like reading, but I am too lazy to do alot of it. Requires too much physical movement

are you kidding? hopefully you are!

sorry, but if you're too lazy to do 'alot' of reading you are almost certainly too lazy to do 'alot' of writing.

by the way 'a lot' is two words, and what the heck do you mean' requires too much physical movement'??? the only physical movement involved in reading is moving your eyes, turning the page and maybe every so often reaching down to scratch your balls or to take a sip of kool-aid.

honestly, i can't think of many activities that require LESS physical movement than reading. you must find putting your underwear on quite exhausting!

anyhow, since you ask, what 'gets me to write' is mainly... my love of writing. weird, eh? sure reading helps a lot, but almost anything does it for me, really. taking walks, driving, watching TV sometimes. pretty much anything that gives my brain a few seconds to wander makes me long to churn out another few pages or so.

oh, and i also do like your avatar...

Reading other books as well as listening to music. However, once I get inspired & start writing, I want complete silence. No tv, radio, ipod, other people in the room. Then I write until I'm drained of everything I've thought of putting into it, & after that comes the fine-tuning.

Reading takes a huge toll on me, I think my brain works to catch up to the words most of the time and it messes me up a lot. I wish I had a writing room, all for myself. Everywhere I go, there are people watching tv/computer
Watching movies/tv and listening to music feels like a whole different process than reading, but they do get me thinking(about different things, other than writing)

I like your avatar, by the way.

oh, and i also do like your avatar...

We are very much alike

Music reading and the weather, there's just something about snowstorms and thunderstorms that gets my mind going.

Originally Posted by helium

I like reading, but I am too lazy to do alot of it. Requires too much physical movement

Reading can get tiring sometimes, I agree. But I think it also depends on the writing itself.

If the piece is interesting and engaging, I find reading a pleasure. If it's tedious or uninspired, I get bored and fatigued rather quickly.

Originally Posted by helium

Everywhere I go, there are people watching tv/computer
Watching movies/tv and listening to music feels like a whole different process than reading

All those people are seeking entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

Reading is just another form of the same thing. The one difference is, reading invites interaction by the audience. When you read, you work with the author to make the piece your own; rolling the characters and storyworld around in your mind, mixing it with your own thoughts and imagination.

Whereas film and music are more passive forms of stimulation, things that wash over you with no participation on your part required.

Some prefer passive forms of entertainment. I prefer the active form.

Oh and, reading strong prose inspires me to write. It encourages me to think "if this author can do it, why can't I?"

Everything seems to inspire me. Music, film, books, walking, sitting on a train, being at work (when I have a job). I have lots of ideas and try to jot them down but most get forgotten.

Many things inspire me to write. Music is a big one, people watching, sunny days, feeling happy, active weather – especially a wonderful snow storm. A full moon, a star-filled sky, a summer thunderstorm, a walk along a nature trail or beach. Reading is probably the main thing, sometimes films/documentaries too. I often break off when I’m reading, jotting down notes as my head fills with ideas. And, of course, writing, and my love for it, makes me want to write more. Many things will do it but not all will work all of the time. It is very much driven by mood. If I’m not in the mood to write, I don’t write and I don’t force it. Success and appreciation for my writing will also drive me.

I often get a buzz when I've read something I like, and think 'I can write like that'. I then write like that, and I enjoy it.

If I still don't feel anything, I read over a past bit of my work that I liked, and think 'I write like that!'. I then write like that, and enjoy it.