Where I Find Inspiration For My Stories (And How You Can Find Yours)
By Elle Mott
As writers, we are expected to be able to write even when its tough to do so. Inspiration seems to be a prerequisite that comes with the territory. Yet, this pleasant thing called inspiration doesn’t always come so easily and when we don’t have it, feelings of doubt can creep in. Yet, there is a story brewing in each and every one of us.
“All sunshine would be boring, and all pleasant things would make our lives too easy.” –Marie Conner, 1957.
My matriarch, Marie, had said many inspiring things. She is at the heart of my first book, my memoir. And my memoir was inspired by others (by women like you) who, when I’d tell bits of my story, people responded by telling me to write a book, so I did. I wrote my memoir, Out of Chaos to show how I made peace with my mistakes and what I did to overcome my difficulties. I had been on the verge of adulthood, and she, much older, when she had imparted words of wisdom to me. Later, when my life took a wrong turn, it was saved through my remembrance of her in which I gained strength. That took action.
With my memoir published, and she, Marie, my matriarch, long gone, I questioned why my strength came from her, aside from the seeds of inspiration and motivation that she had instilled in me. That too took action. Marie served as a great muse for me as I researched to peel back the layers of a woman, who, as I came to find out, had lived a truly remarkable life, inspiring others. As in awe as I was, I knew I had to share her story.
I am happy to say that this historical biography, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady: Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era is, as of February 11, available as a paperback and ebook for you.
Although prior writing is my happy place to fall back on when looking for inspiration for the next book, there are a myriad of other ways that we, as writers, can use to imagine the next story that is brewing.
Here are but a few ways:
Free Writing:
This method is an often-recommended writing technique, and I’ll admit, the toughest for me. It is though, a tried and true way to unlock your creativity and fluency. After an exercise of free writing, your words will flow easier. Don’t think; just write whatever comes to your mind. Judgment is not allowed. Nor is editing as that can come later.
Read:
Perhaps this sounds like an excuse for not writing. However, by reading about diverse topics that peak your interest and your capacity for reflection, you will gain insight to share with others. What you read doesn’t have to be dry news on any topic you might want to explore. Sometimes, reading a great classic is what can clear your mind the most. And reading will not only help you to be more creative, but it will also improve your writing style.
Not up for reading? Watch a documentary and then retell the story in your own way and in your own words.
Bubbles:
That’s what I call them, and I used this technique when I had a handful of research materials in front of me but at a loss of which direction to go. Draw a circle on a piece of paper and inside this circle, write a topic word—just one word. Draw a line out from the circle and then another circle. Inside that circle, write what next comes to mind on this topic. Continue with this creative endeavor until you run out of room on your paper for lines and circles. Now, you are ready and inspired to transfer the words from these bubbles onto your document.
Curiosity:
What catches your attention? If you’re in a bookstore or library, which areas do you go to first? If you go downtown, what do you want to do with your time? If you’re sitting in a café or coffee shop, why do you notice some people more than others? We’re surrounded by stimuli—sights, sounds, and smells. What is going on around you? What comes to mind when you pay attention to this? Out of this curiosity, let your imagination run wild, and that there is your inspiration of what to write about.
What If?
Recall a novel you recently read that left you feeling it could have played out differently. Here’s your chance. Even if you loved the main character, what is something you didn’t like about this person? Come up with a character who best fits a parallel story line and then switch up the plot points. Give it the ending you want it to have.
And for my last suggestion, what is your story? Be your own muse. Instead of looking outside of yourself for inspiration, consider who you are and what makes you tick. Even if you don’t plan to write a memoir, you can write a story that explores some of the feelings or events you have experienced. No one has to know the story is inspired by your true life.
Is there another way that you find inspiration? If so, please share it with us. When writing this book, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady, I not only learned about my matriarch, but also how she changed her community for the better and forevermore. Through this, I am inspired. Same as Marie has given me inspiration for my next story, I hope I have led you in a way for you to find yours. “Let your light shine.” –Marie Conner, 1952.
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Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction. This is her third book. She is also the author of Out of Chaos: A Memoir and People Helping People. Her other writing pieces have been featured in literary journals, news magazines, and anthologies. She has a background working in libraries, both at the college level and, for more than ten years, at the public library in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. While library work is her livelihood, writing is her passion. Elle grew up in Oregon and now makes her home in the suburbs of northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds.
Learn more on her website at
Where Elle hangs out:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-mott-author
https://www.facebook.com/ellemott.author
https://allauthor.com/author/ellemott
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07G4FXMSJ
Marie Conner, A Leading Lady
Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era
Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.
In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.
Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father’s acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father’s praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.
Genre:
Historical Biography, Nonfiction
Buy Here:
Category: On Writing
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