Who or what inspires you to write, even on days you don't feel like it?

Like, you can't seem to get it right, and you're ready to give up on a story, or some other writing project. What stops you. (Of course some things just don't work out, but you probably know what I mean.)

My bff likes to write, and I'd like to finish my story and show it to her.That's what keeps me going. Oh ya, and it's lots of fun to write!

Hm...good question!

Music and reading other books really motivates me. I also brainstorm a lot when I do dishes or other chores and it makes we want to get writin'!

When I was little I wanted to be a writing prodigy and have my book(s) be best sellers. Obviously, I've been pushed off that pedestal block and have humbled up.

The idea of writing a story someone could take something away with really appeals to me. If I can touch people's lives through God's gift, that would make me really happy. ^^

~Calen

This is a great question, Elmirza!

You've got the right idea pushing yourself to finish the story to show your friend. The best friends a writer can have are the ones that care about your stories and getting to read them when they're done. Part of why I started the weekly and monthly goals threads was to inspire us to write by telling others that we are and having them encourage us to finish.

Aside from accountability partners, I'm also inspired by seeing other's get published. You can get published, it just takes time. So, seeing others accomplish that goal helps us realize it isn't impossible. It's also worth mentioning that setting realistic goals en route to publication is inspiring because it shows you can achieve the steps needed to reach the ultimate goal.

Listening to interviews of authors who've made it is also inspirational. They can share advice that, even if not applicable to where you are in your story at the moment, still sets the mood of being in the company of those who want to succeed in writing. That atmosphere is contagious and great for inspiration. Just make sure you take advantage of it and get writing before your mind is distracted with other desires.

Another question I think bares discussion is what or who inspires us to write when we're afraid. For me, knowing that I've finished a book motivates me both through confidence and the joy I remember feeling when I finished. My second book was easier and better, but still had moments of fear where I didn't know what to write. If you are afraid of what to write, sit down and brainstorm what conflict is left unsettled, and if there isn't any - make some Then have fun with your conflict and finding resolution. Writing is all about conflict and resolution, and the adventure in between.

Lastly, the tool Write or Die motivated me like no other. Anyone who hasn't heard of it or tried it really should. It's free, and you can do it online without downloading.

At the risk of sounding un-original, I'd say the main "who" that encourages me to write would be God. Since I know I'm writing everything for Him and I want to please Him by finishing a book that a reader can learn from.

A lot of other things inspire me as well. If I listen to my iPod, the songs will inspire to get to a specific scene or to make a character. Sometimes the songs might remind me of a character that is in the book and listening to them makes me want to develop them further.

My father also really inspires me to write my books. He's always been extremely supportive of me and is wonderful encouragement when I don't feel like I could write another word.

I have a bunch of random things here and there that inspire me to continue writing, but I suppose that would be the main ones. Nice topic, Elmirza.

Bethany Faith

My best friend is the one who inspired me originally so whenever I talk to her it tends to draw me back into it. Music also helps me write, reading helps me write, travelling helps me write. Art does too but often if I can't get inspiration I try to find a Bible story that is similar.

Really good stories inspire me and also really bad stories with good premises always make me want to write. I usually try to read in the same genre as I'm writing in at the time.

I love writing. Simple as that

eruheran

Actually, one word spoken by my brother is what inspired the trilogy I am writing at this moment. I mean, I had ideas churning before then, but when my brother spoke that one word, everything snapped together, and I was on a frantic roll.

Don't leave me in suspense! Can you say what that one word is?

*chuckles * Of course. The one word was "Diegose".

Oh that's right, my best friend is here now... Hi Sezja.