Searching for Inspiration

No doubt about it, writing is tough work. It is taxing, mentally and emotionally, and there are times when it is just easier to get up and walk away from it. And sometimes we should. It's not easy to stay inspired. However, here are a few tips for those times when you would rather do your taxes or go to the dentist than write anything at all, when the well's run dry, when you are just so tired of words you could burn every Thesaurus in the country. 1. Read. Read, read, read. Soak up other writers' words for awhile, follow their thought process. 2. Redfine your goals. What made you start this process in the first place? How did you feel at the beginning? What does it mean for you to be successful? Are you willing to change your goals? Remember, changing your goals does not mean that you've failed. 3. Reignite. How did you feel about your story a year ago? How have you improved your writing? Which character do you love the most? How do you want the story arc to fall? 4. Rejuvenate. Seriously. Go for a walk with your dog. Visit an art museum or a garden. Eat healthy food. Watch the sun come up or go down, or both. Allow yourself to slow down and be inspired by the little things, such as a cake display in a bakery window, or a pretty toddler in a pink dress, or seashells in a jar. Take care of your mind and spirit by thinking positive thoughts. Think the best of yourself. Don't put yourself down. Play with your writing. Make it fun again. Remember always, if you don't write your stories, who is going to?