As a fantasy writer, I can generally find inspiration in anything. Here are 10 ways that work for me:
1) A solid sleep pattern, some exercise, and good nutrition. (Okay, I fail at most of these three, but it doesn't mean you can't try)
2) A personal thesaurus. I have a journal filled with altenate words for the ones I tend to use often, turns of phrase, and varied descriptions for emotions, colors, buildings, trees etc;
3) A journal of the world and characters. I keep sketches, details, pictures and notes that inspire me. I've made a journal for every world I've ever written.
4) The library. I can browse a variety of subjects: history, science, mythology, sociology, architecture...anything that might spark my imagination.
5) Word tin. Remember those magnetic poetry kits? Whenever a word catches my fancy, I write it on a cardboard tab and put it in a tin. Occasionally, I'll dump the tabs out and come up with all sorts of interesting word combinations, some I might actually be able to use.
6) Music. If I need intense emotion in a scene I'm writing, I'll listen to music that reflects that mood.
7) Pinterest and the websites of my favorite artists. These sometimes give me great visual or atmospheric inspiration.
8) Get away. I'll take a walk, re-pot plants, clean my house, shop, work on something else. And I'll return to the story renewed.
9) Read. After 20 years of writing, I think I've found my own voice, so I don't worry about taking on the voices of others. Reading other authors keeps me from going stale.
10) Watch a film. I'll choose a film that reminds me of the scene or mood I'm trying to convey. When I want to write a scary scene, I'll watch a scary movie...
If you have any tips for temporary writer's block, feel free to comment!
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