Goodreads asked Sarah Shell Teague:

How do you get inspired to write?

Sarah Shell Teague Besides the obvious answer of reading, which any writer must acknowledge, I find inspiration in intellectual stimulation from the arts. I adore a day at an art gallery or museum, by myself, taking my time considering the works and how they trickle down into my consciousness (and subconsciousness). I have often remarked that, upon viewing art of any sort, whatever sort of medium you're viewing, your brain should not be in the same place when you are finished.
Some of my best thoughts have come during a symphony performance, and I hasten to write them down, as it was said of Brahms, who slept with his glasses on so that he could quickly jot down ideas when he awoke with them in the middle of the night.
In addition, I relish the intellectual stimulation provided by discussions of ideas with like-minded friends and acquaintances. But I also find inspiration in talking ideas with individuals who may be my opposite in one way or another-someone with different political or spiritual viewpoints, age, economic or family situation. someone from the city to balance my rural background-someone from another country. Those discussions really help us discover the touchstones of what and why we believe and act as we do.

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