Goodreads asked Michael Pronko:

How do you get inspired to write?

Michael Pronko For the essays about Tokyo, I had deadlines, which are very inspirational. I find other art forms to be very inspiring. Art, film, and music, along with conversation and exercise, all kinds of activities inspire creativity. Inspiration helps writing some of the time, but the rest of the time, I write with or without inspiration. That is, there is micro-inspiration, which is like a great idea popping into your head. I have no idea how that happens. And there is macro-inspiration, which is working with habits and schedules to keep going over the long haul. Inspiration is a mystery, but it can be encouraged through practice, focus and an attitude of open attentiveness. So, I have to pay attention or I’ll miss the inspiring word, moment, image, realization or experience. But I also step away and let the unconscious mind do its work. Its work is to inspire me. And when all that doesn’t work, I put on some very loud music.

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