Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life: Unearthing the Unexpected
As a writer, I’m constantly on the lookout for inspiration. It can strike at the most unexpected moments, turning everyday occurrences into the seeds of my stories. The world around us is brimming with potential narratives, waiting to be discovered and woven into the fabric of our imaginations.
One of the most common questions I get is, “Where do you get your ideas?” The truth is, inspiration can come from anywhere, even the most mundane corners of daily life. My three favorite stories were sparked by fleeting moments, overlooked details, or even whispers from my subconscious during a sleepless night. Today, I want to share some of the unexpected places I’ve found inspiration and how they’ve shaped my stories.
The Power of Nature’s Quiet Mysteries
The ever-changing landscape, the rhythm of the seasons, the raw power of storms, and the delicate beauty of a sunrise can all evoke powerful emotions and stimulate the imagination. A solitary walk in the woods or simply gazing at the stars can transport me to otherworldly realms and awaken a sense of wonder.
Hiking has always been a favorite escape of mine. There’s something about the stillness of the woods, the rustling of leaves, or the way the light filters through the trees that stirs my imagination. On one particular hike, I stumbled upon a crumbling stone wall, overgrown with ivy. It felt like it had a story to tell—a remnant of a forgotten life. That moment inspired the eerie setting of derelict manor house in my current WIP. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet moment in nature to uncover an entire world of untold stories.
Forgotten Objects, Untold Stories
Old, abandoned objects have a way of speaking to me. A weathered journal in an antique shop or a broken pocket watch at a flea market can spark a flurry of ideas. Sometimes even a unique article of clothing at a thrift store. I start to imagine who might have owned these items, what their lives were like, and what secrets they kept.
Even the most mundane aspects of life can ignite the spark of creativity. A forgotten photograph or a faded newspaper clipping can unlock a flood of memories and emotions, leading to unexpected narrative directions. These seemingly insignificant items can serve as portals to the past, offering glimpses into forgotten lives and forgotten worlds.
Overheard Conversations
Eavesdropping—it’s not as bad as it sounds when you’re a writer! Sometimes snippets of conversations reveal fascinating dynamics, hidden emotions, idiosyncrasies, or even secrets. I once overheard two people in a coffee shop talking about a recurring dream they both shared. It gave me chills and became the foundation for Such a Beautiful Massacre where dreams serve as gateways to another realm, or a means of a supernatural entity to communicate with the living.
One of my favorite sources of inspiration simply people-watching. I know some may find it odd or weird, but I feel you can pick up on a lot just by watching people. It can spark a character, a plot point, or an entire story idea. The quirks, conflicts, and hidden depths of human nature are endlessly fascinating to me.
Dreams and Nightmares
Dreams and nightmares are also a huge one for me. Actually, many of my ideas stem from either one. My subconscious is an endless well of inspiration, even when I wish it wasn’t sometimes. Some of my most vivid story ideas come from dreams that linger long after I’ve woken up. Nightmares, in particular, hold a certain allure. They’re raw, visceral, and often packed with unresolved fears or emotions. Another story I will be working on after From the Ashes (which I also can’t wait to share), deals with these topics. My protagonist battles monstrous creatures symbolizing her real-life struggles, which came from a nightmare that felt too real to ignore.
Personal Struggles and Growth
Life’s challenges often find their way into my writing, though they’re usually cloaked in metaphor or transformed into fictional conflicts. Writing is my way of processing pain, loss, and even joy. The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery in my stories often mirrors my own, albeit through a much more dramatic lens. These personal threads help me connect with my characters on a deeper level and, I hope, resonate with readers too.
News and C urrent E vents
While often unsettling, these two can also be powerful sources of inspiration. From social and political issues to the latest scientific discoveries, these events can provide a backdrop for my stories, raise thought-provoking questions, and challenge me to explore complex themes. I plan on drawing elements from the 2020 pandemic into another one of my story ideas.
Finding your Inspiration
Ultimately, inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. It’s about keeping your eyes and ears open, paying attention to the world around you, and allowing yourself to be surprised by the unexpected. The most important thing is to cultivate a sense of curiosity and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
If you’re a fellow writer or creative, my advice is simple: stay curious and open. Inspiration rarely comes in predictable ways. It might be tucked inside a conversation, hidden in a shadowy corner of your favorite park, or waiting in a dusty old box in your attic (or if you’re weird like me, random ideas have popped into my head while in the bathroom!). When you learn to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, the world becomes a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told.
What unexpected places have you found inspiration? I’d love to hear your stories and experiences in the comments below! 
