How can writers use inspiration?

Question

For instance, let's say I am writing a short about a disaster on a futuristic moon colony (which I'm not really, in case you were wondering!).

Now, suppose one day when I was walking to class I saw something inspirational...a frost-covered tree, say, just to be cliched. This scene couldn't possibly be applied to my sci-fi short, as there is no place for crisp dawns or trees on the moon, even though I may have been greatly inspired.

So what is the solution? Forget what I have seen and concentrate on the story at hand? Try to work it in to the prose in some way? Or merely scribble it down for future reference and hope that the inspiration can be recaptured from my old notes?

Help appreciated- thanks!

PS, feel free to browse my 360 page to learn a little more about me and view a tiny portion of my work. Feedback in the form of comments or emails is what I'm looking for!

Answer 1

These things get filed away for future reference; nothing is ever wasted. If you think you may forget, have a notebook to jot down the most important feature. Perhaps writing a brief poem might capture the flavour to make it easier to reconnect with the mood later.
The mind can store these things beautifully until they find their right place and right time. I'm probably going to wait a long while before the experience of having to be rescued by air ambulance fits with something I'm working on, but one day it'll be just what I need.
Remember: nothing is ever wasted.

Answer 2

HI, yes, keep a notebook in your pocket and a filing system at home , and file away every idea you have, until you're short of ideas: then go back and develop one.
P.S. I was curious , so I read your prison story. It is an excellent idea, and also an extremely difficult one to pull off.
There are some moments of truth and realism , that are working really well.
I understand that in order to show a deterioration you are starting with the guy seeming intellectual, however, some of his "terminology" just didn't ring true. Using complex phrases like "faecal matter" sounds very odd : and lacking truth. Quite a few times I found long cumbersome phrases which could be replaced with single words.
Unless we know he is describing the scene to a Maiden Aunt who he doesn't wish to offend , we don't understand this over wordiness. Who is he talking to and why ? If he is truthfully describing the scene he will say what he sees, not come up with florid phrases.
I hear writers often rewrite pieces at least 6 times. This is a great first draft. Try it again , using the simplest , most truthful language you can, and think about some of the questions the piece raises.
Who is he talking to , why does he want to tell us, what is he hoping will happen next ,where's the conflict?
Happy writing. ( Think I'm a better reader than writer......can't you tell!!)

M : )

Answer 3

Hi David

I checked you're page before and think you are developing a very descriptive style and was impressed with what you had written

As far as this query goes my advice would be to not limit yourself by picking surroundings that are baron instead focus on environments that lend themselves to your style, the moon is a baron landscape and although you pointed out earlier that if you were a top writer it would be possible to make an epic from specs of dust, it would (in my opinion) be self indulgent to do so and again limiting to the scope of the overall appeal or possibilities of a piece

I have tried writing and will pick it up again at some point, when I get the time, I started with a very loose idea of where the story was going to end up and tried to pour as much description into the journey as possible this was inspired by the work of Hardy who, up to that point, I had never read anything like for descriptive language, it transported me, which is what I feel a good piece of writing should do, he may be a little dated but I’m not that well read and would not know where to start with contemporary writers the style did however have a lasting effect on me which I can see glimpses of in you're work

I have no particular education in literature just an interest, and like most people feel there is a book in me bursting to get out, anyhow if you feel I’m talking rubbish please feel free to disregard my comments

I do think you have the makings of an author, keep at it I’m sure as with most things in life that are worthwhile it will take time to perfect you're craft

Good luck MH

Answer 4

Writers shouldn't be held down. They should be allowed to flourish and breed many entertaining stories.