That *Ping* Moment

I’ve been wondering recently where inspiration for writing comes from. It must be different for each person. Does it slowly filter into your subconscious like treacle from a tin, or does it hit you sqaure in the stomach; forcefully, aggressively, until you have your *ping* moment? They both have to be equally effective as creativity can come from anything and create masterpieces.

I think I’m a treacle person. I can have a vague notion for a story; a saying, a type of character, a major incident; and will wait for it to come to me. I tend to nurture inspiration with a notebook, music and incense; something soft to create a relaxing atmosphere where the ideas can flow. Doing this allows my mind to open and then I know I’m writing the best I can, all the while developing the story along the way. I wish I was like my wonderful friend Jex (check out her blog, she is awesome – http://jcollyer.wordpress.com/ XD) who had her *ping* moment the other week. An exceptional idea for a story came to her in her dream and though she is currently concentrating on her current novel, I know when she starts on this one it will be great. It goes without saying, each writer works differently and all works cannot be compared in the same light. What one fantasy writer may indulge in, another historical writer may see as uneccesary.

For the novel I’m writing now, the Inspiration came merely from one sentence. I’m writing about the Angel of Death and I got the idea solely from, ‘I am the Angel of Death. The time of purification is at hand.’ From that came multiples characters, so much lore to play with and multiple worlds to develop. It’s been interesting to see where the story line has taken me and how it’s developed my protagonist but I hope Inspiration hits me for the ending. I’m not to far off now and would love it to be action filled and breath taking at the same time. In itself I have been debating whether to post the opening chapters of my novel on here but need some inspirational editing before I do.

How do you find inspiration? How does it develop you and your writing? Please let me know.