I’m having trouble thinking of what to write today. Normally, I work on posts a week or two in advance – though I don’t always post what I’ve worked on – but lately, life’s been too chaotic for much in the way forethought.
So, I found myself today doing what I normally do when I’m feeling uninspired, and I looked through some of my favorite pictures. I came across this one, from a trip to Alaska back in 2016.
I’m not sure what it is, but something about this photo just speaks to me today. Maybe it’s the way the water is just so calm and clear. My mind certainly isn’t lately. Or maybe it’s that the pebbles all seem to fit together just so, like they were meant to be exactly where they are. Maybe it’s the slant of the light on the ripples, beautiful and brief, and now memorialized forever in a snapshot.
And I don’t know what I want to do with it. I’m sure, though, that there’s a poem or a story in it somewhere.
So, we’ll see, I suppose, and hopefully I’ll wake up feeling better and brighter tomorrow, because I’ve promised a short story on Friday, and I keep my promises. 🙂
For now, I’m curious. What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired? How do you fight feeling…just, meh…when you’re writing? If you have a good tip or any tools that you use, I’d love to know!
P.S. – Thankfully, we didn’t get a lot of ice on Monday evening. And also thankfully, it looks like we might actually get some snow this weekend. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
I usually listen to music and something takes over. I get my notebook and just start writing. I usually listen to classical when I’m feeling uninspired. I love the picture.
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I love that! I grew up studying opera and classical music. 🙂 I’ve used music before, as well, in my writing. Sometimes I’ll put together playlists, if I’m writing a story or a scene and need a little extra help. Music definitely inspires!
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I do not fight it…I feel it, process it…wallow in it if need be. Somehow, giving myself permission to feel how I feel moves me off the pity pot and to action. (I use pity pot because that is what my former partner in practice used to say: feel it, and sit on the pity pot a bit if you need to, but then get off and get busy.). My other friend used to say “find something bigger than yourself.” It does not take much to look around and see things bigger than me, but it is also important to make room for me in there, too.
I think you have demonstrated an excellent way of how you get inspired–your wrote what that photograph evoked in you, and that was what needed saying. It will beget more inspiration if you follow that through, or if not, then it will come from another place.
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That’s good advice and perspective. I’ve never heard the phrase “pity pot” before, but I like it. I tend to be sort of a perfectionist, and in moments when I’m not feeling productive or inspired, I can be really hard on myself. It’s nice to be reminded that it’s good to just allow yourself to feel those feelings sometimes, and that it can actually make it easier to move forward.
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i write words.
gee, joe, that’s helpful. but really, i just start slinging the ink, as we used to say when we wrote with quill and ink. yes, i’m that old. that’s what i did with my “family” story that’s coming this friday, i started with a character (my great grandfather) literally on his death bed, and then my sister wandered into the room. the five year old version of my sister. the important thing is to start.
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The first bit of your comment made me smile. 🙂 It actually is helpful! As with all journeys, you’re right, the most important thing is to start. I can’t wait to read your story on Friday!
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Beautiful photo!! So glad you didn’t get much ice!
When I’m feeling uninspired – I read posts by other bloggers – hoping to be inspired and get ideas. I’ve often used posts by other bloggers as inspiration for my own posts (giving them due credit). 😊
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Thank you! And, me too! I’m really hoping for some snow this weekend.
I love reading posts, too! I spent a lot of time on the Reader yesterday. 🙂 This is such a wonderful community to be part of – creativity everywhere, and I find I’m often inspired to think a little differently and write outside of my comfort zone.
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