Goodreads asked Anthea Syrokou:

How do you get inspired to write?

Anthea Syrokou I get inspired to write by the environment I find myself in at a specific moment in time. I could be staring out into the garden and notice something amazing happening such as leaves falling from a deciduous tree, or a plant thriving as it is tested against the elements. This will then trigger another thought about life, which then triggers an overall idea and a plan for a story. I am constantly thinking and observing. So many things in life can be inspiring. I could look at a painting for hours and think about how it impacts me and the world around me.

I was always an observer, and I have always believed that most people have something in them that can inspire another person. There is so much beauty in people and life; it's often hard not to be inspired. Beauty can be many things. It can be our strengths, our flaws, our desires, a cup of coffee, music, the strength we find within us when we're faced with adversity, and many more things.

In order to be inspired, I always try to have an open mind and see the world through different eyes, and search for beauty even if there doesn't appear to be any. In a world where there can be pain and suffering, witnessing endurance and empathy in people is always inspiring for writing. Laughter and humour can also inspire my writing.

Humour is part of life, and many of us use humour to make a difficult situation less painful. I bring that into my writing. People always need beauty and laughter in their day.

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