Finding Inspiration

The harder I work, the luckier I am.

Discovery is one of the most magical feelings in the world. There’s a sense of awe and wonder when it happens. The problem is that it’s so often outside of our control.

It doesn’t need to be though.

Many years ago, I was always trying to “find the time” to do something I cared about, like writing. Guess what, I didn’t do it. Not until I made the time.

It’s a subtle distinction to be sure, but the shift form passive to active is huge and while a broken clock is right twice a day and waiting for inspiration to find me can work on occasion, I’d rather take the reins.

Enough of finding inspiration. I say, let’s make it!

This is a reminder to myself that when I sit down and write, good things happen. Last night I found an open call for an anthology that seemed interesting and I spent thirity minutes outlining the first story that came to mind. It’s not amazing, but there’s a story there. Tonight, in another ~45 minutes, I had ~1,000 words in the story. I came up with totally new characters, motivations, conflict. It felt good. All of this is about getting the reps, putting words down, and telling stories.

Finding inspiration is great. It’s a wonderful feeling. Know what’s even better? Making something I’m proud of and that is totally in my control.