As an author and poet, I am often asked where does inspiration come from? How do I get ideas?

I really like to think that ideas are everywhere, accessible, in your face and hidden in special places for people to find. Having an open mind with the view to observing daily things, can bring about the creativity for writing.

As a collector, I hunt and browse for ideas.

In art, nature and people.

Artist Lou Jaeger from Buderim

You might hear the sound of a warbling magpie or watch a black cockatoo swoop.

You might catch a phrase that interests you in a conversation. It might trigger a creative response for a story.

The colours in art might remind you of an item of clothing, again triggering something that could be used later in writing. Family lore and history. Dreams and places can trigger the possibility of a poem. Sometimes walking and running brings new thoughts that can spark more imagination. The what ifs?

Looking and seeing, noticing and recording. Try to imagine what the world looks like from an outsider who knows nothing of customs and rituals.

Some triggers for creativity are outside the house. Visit shopping centres to watch people and hear the tones of voices. Walk on the beach to smell the salt air, hear the screeching seagulls. Visit a local market to catch the vibe and atmosphere.

Recently, I loved watching a father and his young son having a sword fight with the props I brought to celebrate Kingdom of Rooms, my poetry book. The little boy was all smiles and action, using his shield to protect the blows from his father who was indeed, having so much fun. They drew a crowd. A spontaneous game played in public. Heart warming.

Imagine the world from someone’s else’s perspective. What if a mushroom grew and grew to house, then spread into a whole village? Imagine a rocking horse coming alive, having an adventure.

There’s no need to sweat over ideas or inspiration. You’ll find ideas in books in the library, working in the garden or playing with a child.

Writer Bridgid Lowry says,” Sometimes God or the universe magically channel material into my brain. Ideas arrive, inexplicably, often at the oddest times.which is why a writer should always carry a notebook and pen.”

inspirational quote

Collecting the ideas is the easy part. It’s then the process of shaping, teasing out, writing more and more to read aloud, until the story begins to take off.

I hope you enjoy some creative triggers this week. Put on your wide lens or close up glasses to inspect what’s right before you.