Wednesday 3 December 2014

Inspiration




            There haven’t been many times in my life when I’ve been at liberty to wallow in the search for story ideas.  Generally I am working on completing or polishing a narrative that presented itself many years before, not lazing around in the summer sun waiting for inspiration to strike me with its fiery bolt.  Still, I can recall one occasion in the past when this did occur.  I had just finished writing Call of the Black Panther, it was late in my high school days; I was sitting under a tree in my backyard pushing around ideas, waiting for one to grab me with the rush of exhilaration I’m certain some drugs elicit.

            Most of my story ideas happen in mid-project rather than neatly at the end of one.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  One encounters the challenge of never finishing all of their projects but also has several to choose from should enthusiasm be lacking for the current tale.  Inspiration is not something that can be forced although it can be encouraged.  Exposing oneself to literature, interacting with others, and simply experiencing the world exposes an author to millions of themes, backdrops and characters, and within this mix of constantly shifting existence lies the hearts of stories waiting to be realised.

            This topic came to mind since I am currently reading a fanfiction that, while interesting and expansive, follows a few too many romantic clichés and is dragged out a bit too long for my liking.  Reading this fanfiction has made me want to write my own romantic adventure, although I like to focus my energy on original works rather than fanfiction.  This is an example of how reading another’s work, whether you love it or hate it, can benefit an author.  Although I’m not sure where this desire to write a romance will lead I’m glad that my creative will is still active.  Perhaps by the time April Camp NaNo rolls around I’ll have some more ideas to work with.

                                             Great little image about inspiration by Lehanan