I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this before, but it took a young adult to inspire me enough to begin writing full-time. It wasn’t anything I did because I was in the middle of a bad case of writer’s block. It was watching her step out and self-publish her very first book that inspired me to sit down at the desk again and begin to write regularly. I’m still not writing as I want to, but I’m writing a lot more than I was before she published her book. Since then, my creativity has soared, and the hardest part has been finding enough time to write it all down while praying my memory can hold on to the ideas. She has been an inspiration for me. Here is a link to her first book on Amazon. Since then, I have realized I find inspiration in all different kinds of people.
Perhaps most importantly to me, I find inspiration in my family because of all the sacrifices they have made for others to have a better life than they did. I find inspiration in how they live their lives because it keeps my moral compass true even in my writing. I decided a long time ago not to write anything I wouldn’t let my mother read because I trusted her judgment. That boundary keeps me in line.
Other writers are also a source of inspiration. Several years ago, I read Stephen King’s memoir, On Writing, and I still find myself quoting it today. Would you believe that I have only read two of his other books? I was just inspired by his words about writing. I also am inspired by other successful writers, especially those who come from a background more like my own in which they just had to keep working to succeed. I love authors who didn’t start out with an advantage in the industry. Stephen King didn’t. He just started writing and kept writing. I’m okay with building my own success because other people have done it. By the way, I’m not having delusions of grandeur because I’m not aspiring to his level of success. I’m simply saying that self-made writers are a great inspiration for me.
Finally, I find people much younger and much older than me to be very inspiring as well. I adore the creativity and optimism of youth and those same qualities tempered by realism and failure in those older than me. It’s like looking at two sides of the same coin. Both groups spark my creativity and give me hope. I even found inspiration in listening to a K-pop star talking about his creative music writing process. That may be one of the oddest sources of inspiration a forty-something year old writer could find.
There are times when work feels like a grind, and we struggle to remember why we’re doing something in the first place. Writing can get like that. Being a librarian definitely felt like that on occasion. I’m sure accounting, truck driving, teaching, construction, writing, factory work, and any other career can feel that way sometimes. It’s in those moments when we need to find our inspiration. No matter what we do, it helps to find who inspires us. Why do we do what we do? Who helps us keep going? If you find yourself having that kind of day, give yourself a few moments to answer that question so you know why you persevere.
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Inspirational Verse for the Day:
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, CSB)
All Things Subject to Change 