I could use some inspiration for writing
By ecaron
@ecaron (678)
Canada
February 4, 2012 2:50pm CST
I used to live in a nice place that had a lake and rural surroundings and I would walk my dog every day and started to get good ideas for writing but now it's hard because I live in the city and I don't get out much and I am having trouble getting inspired to write. Writer's block is not good when you really would like the words to flow out of your mind. I will go for more walks with my dog and clear my mind and perhaps come up with new story ideas.
1 person likes this
14 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Feb 12
I think I understand how you feel. I used to live in the country where I could walk along a stream, work in the garden and do things outside to my heart's content. I now live in town and went through a period where I felt as if everything I was, was gone. It's an entire life style change and it's hard to adjust to. I couldn't write the way I used to because I couldn't be the person I used to be.
Eventually, it will come to you and you will find yourself again - at least that's the way it was with me, and I hope it is with you. Living in town still doesn't feel "right" to me, but I can write with feeling again and I can find good things to write about.
Keep walking and thinking and you'll get past this, too.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
6 Feb 12
I don't like living in the city, either, but I can't get away from it right now and honestly, I may never be able to. Making the adjustment is hard and I can't say that I have completely, but as I said, there are good things to write about here, too. We have to embrace what life gives us or we waste the time we have. Easier said than done, I know.
Finding serenity in town means hiding out in my own home, I'm afraid. There is no place to go where there won't be interruptions or noise pollution of some kind.
May I give you some advice? Write what you feel, if only for yourself. Write how you feel about living in town. Put it down and put it away. I have written things that even now I stumble across and have to shed a tear or two for what was, but I can put them away and know that I will go on, where I am, with what I have and with who I am.
I hope this isn't seen as melodramatic, because I feel every word of it. Hang in there. You will survive and learn wisdom along the way.
@ecaron (678)
• Canada
5 Feb 12
Thank you , you seem to understand the way I feel. I just don't like living in a city , It's not as calm and serene as the country where a person can really think and be closer to nature. You know, I used to see flocks on Canadian geese fly over my house every day , honking and flying in a V formation , it was lovely to see. Once I saw two deer just running down the road in front of my house. All kinds of wildlife, I miss seeing like seagulls which I don't really like but it's funny, I even miss them, Ha, Ha, Good Luck with your writing and if you want you could be my lot friend, let me know.
@patgalca (18391)
• Orangeville, Ontario
5 Feb 12
Here is an article I wrote on this subject:
http://writinghood.com/writing/where-do-stories-come-from/
and here is one on writing prompt ideas:
http://writinghood.com/writing/unique-writing-prompts/
There are ideas all around you. Good writers have to be good observers. You notice everything that goes on around you. You eavesdrop on conversations you hear nearby whether it be at a coffee shop or in line at the grocery store.
I think the only thing about living in the country versus the city when you are a writer is the difference in distractions FROM your writing. Living in the country would give you a lot more solitude than in the city.
Also, being in the city you would be closer to more people and should be able to find a writing group to join. You can inquire at your local library or book store.
Good luck.
@patgalca (18391)
• Orangeville, Ontario
6 Feb 12
For sure. I love reading as well. I have written a few book reviews that are also posted on triond. You can see all my writings (articles, poems, book reviews, short stories, photos) through my profile page at www.triond.com/users/Mary+Patricia+Bird. That is my given name under which I am writing.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
5 Feb 12
I understand, but at least you have memories. When I start to write my second book, I am going to try and write about a country I never been to, so I am gathering resources now, with videos of the cities, pictures, and talking to friends who live and/or traveled to this country..And I hope it works, because I really want my setting there..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
5 Feb 12
I do live in the country, so if you need any inspiration, let me know..:)
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
5 Feb 12
Hi Ecaron, actually cities provide more inspiration, because there are more things happening around, and you can observe more people.
When you get on a train or a bus during peak hour, you can easily see who are the ones going to work, and who are the ones going for other appointments.
The facial expression will tell you.
Even when you are stuck in the traffic jam, you can see the expression of so many people around you.
Some are just plain tired.
Some are frustrated, and many are just helpless and they display a kind of hopeless and helpless expression.
Why not make use of your time in the city to find inspiration among people?
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
4 Feb 12
Is it really inspiration lacking or is it determination? Block is funny thing sometimes and I'm not an expert in fact I thought about determination because I lack it sometimes. I want to but let everything under the sun stop it from happening. So I think it is a matter of just writing, writing anything until the story comes. Sometimes the simplest of ideas can blossom when they start on paper. Maybe if you talked about something a little here it might help, not sure?
@ecaron (678)
• Canada
4 Feb 12
I have determination but I lack motivation and inspiration because I moved to the city and the setting for my story is at the beach where I used to live. I have to imagine it and just going for a walk with my dog helps. I am writing a story that is the fifth in a series of mystery stories one of which may be published soon. I want to finish the series and start another type of book maybe something more for adults as these are children's stories. You're right about just writing , writing anything that comes to mind in fact just writing this is good. It helps clear my mind of worries and so on. I like to do my story writing with pen and paper, though so perhaps I will do that again.
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
5 Feb 12
I understand now what you meant, thanks for taking the time to reply. Our place is our place of peace, our place of creativity, our time to journey. You didn’t just live in a house, you lived on those lovely beach walks and you miss them.
Well you just have to find a place for imagination excursions again because well you need this. I am happy for you that you have accomplishments and do hope you find a way to continue.
I have had also those special places too that I moved away from. Writing with pen in hand, well for me it is a pencil and paper is very different and I think changes the process. I do like it but also like typing too where most of my writing occurs.
@tatzkie23 (770)
• Philippines
5 Feb 12
hi ecaron,
Wow you're a writer, i hope that your book will get published soon. Can you tell me what's all that about? Well, anyways, i think that when you go out and see your surroundings you can find some inspiration. And yeah you're doing it already. To tell you honestly, one of goals in life, is write a book. LOL. I don't know when do i start, i always have a writer's block. LOL. But anyways, goodluck with your book. I wish i could read it. 
@ecaron (678)
• Canada
5 Feb 12
The rules on My Lot don't allow me to advertize but if you request to be my lot friend then I could send you a private message and information about my story, It's an e book on LuLu.com. If you want to write I would suggest just start writing anything that comes to mind and let your imagination go and just write and sooner or later a story will emerge from your mind, that's what I did.
@yanzalong (18987)
• Indonesia
5 Feb 12
As far as I know the best time to get inspiration is very early (around 3 to 4 am). Many successful people used to wake up that early to study. You can not wake up that early if you stay up till late. Supposing you can, you will not be fresh when you wake up.
@marguicha (223776)
• Chile
12 Feb 12
I am a writer in my own language and although I get stuck many times it does not depends on the surroundings. I rather like to take inner walks and get there the ideas and inspiration to write.
@flower21 (765)
• Philippines
5 Feb 12
well, that a problem since you get use to your former surrounding and city living make you hard to get inspire. i think you could make new adjustment and start slowly by learning to appreciate those things surround. you could create a stories or whatever perception you get from observing them or learn to explore them. at the same time you could create a dram within your mind such as learning to relax and create a dram world where you may get an inspiration.
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
5 Feb 12
Welcome to Mylot ecaron! You may want to reconstruct your new home now with more greeneries. Some inspiration might pop on the way. good luck!
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
4 Feb 12
Observe the different people, what do you see? What kind of life you think they have?
Or just have a quick look at a person, label him/her and write about what kind of life this person has according to you. Use your fantasy or your gossip talent or ...
No matter where you live, you can always find a subject to write about. There is so much that is happening in a city.. you just need to see it.
@CookingIsMyPassion (653)
• United States
6 Feb 12
You can close your eyes and think about being in that place by the lake - almost like meditating and it should clear your mind and give you back that insight you feel is blocked.
Take a walk to the nearest park. With the outdoor air, trees, rustling leaves and your faithful dog at your side you will soon forget you are in the city and relax enough to let the words flow free onto paper once again.
Be inspired!
@dongjr (80)
•
5 Feb 12
Go for a walk with your dog at beach side. The breeze will stabilize your mind and probably relaxes you. For me beach is the place to be if you want to write stories. The water is vast is so as things in there.
Being in the city, its hard to thinks for their are many destructions. But just be open minded you could have a scope by that environment, you just got to get used to it.
@jblogreaders (9)
• United States
4 Feb 12
I live in a city i had to give up my Farm due to health reason,i find inspiration walking in the ally ways around my home ,you never know just what you will seee.
