Finding inspiration for writing is not something I struggle with too much. I usually make myself just sit down and write. My inspiration comes from many places: other writers, what I’m reading, the radio, walking, images, the odd voice in my head, poetry, something overheard, mulling over ideas with my writing buddy…. inspiration for writing is everywhere.
However there are times when inspiration is more elusive than others and that’s been so this week with my current novel. I’m 40,000 words in and about to embark on Part 2. I have a pretty good idea of what’s going to happen…well, some idea! But there’s been a big shift in place from England to France and I want the writing to be up to it. I want it to be fresh, as fresh as my young protagonist’s experience of a new country. Also I need to better accquaint myself with what will be my new cast of characters.
So I’ve been holding off with the writing, trying to let my mind loose, auditioning people in my head, playing with different beginnings. Now this afternoon I’ve begun to make what designers would probably call a mood board – pictures of my cast, the setting, their names, notes about them, question marks…I don’t know them all yet by any means. I’m not ready to start writing (although almost) but I am beginning to see Part 2. It’s coming alive in images and I realise when I’m looking for inspiration for writing it’s often the image that speaks loudest of all to me.
Why not try finding inspiration for writing by making a writing mood board – either hand drawn and written or cut out and stuck like mine…? Or perhaps on Pinterest – I guarantee in making the board a lot of thinking will go on and writing is thinking as well as writing.
