Writing Inspiration is All Around by Nevada McPherson
Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Nevada McPherson as she shares with us “Writing Inspiration is All Around.” Enjoy!
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If you’re hard at work starting, completing, or in the middle of a project, congratulations. I wish you well on your writing journey, wherever you are in it!
As I’ve said before, I’m right there with you. With the terrible, wonderful, very confusing times in which we’re living, writing of all kinds has the potential to provide catharsis, joy, therapy, and clarity.
Sometimes having a positive affirmation or favorite quote in our minds or in front of us can make a difference in our ability to focus, to keep moving forward, and to face obstacles.
Favorite Writing Affirmations and Quotes
I have some favorite affirmations or quotes that I’ve saved for years, clipped from newspapers (yes, newspapers!), saved from fortune cookies, scribbled down on random slips of paper, and written somewhere in my Wonder Woman notebook.
I keep them on my bulletin board, tucked into favorite books and in little boxes, taped to my mirror, and affixed to my bookshelf with Post-Its.
Most of my favorite ones I’ve memorized and think about often when I’m sitting on the porch, out for a walk, or trying to dispel any creeping discouragement on a low-vibes day, and it truly helps.
More Ways to Give Yourself Inspiration
Another way to give yourself a push, a lift or a little inspiration is to mail yourself a postcard or write something in a letter that will make you laugh or remind you what you’re doing and why your work matters.
You could even pick a favorite line from whatever story or piece you’re working on: a snappy line of dialogue, a scene or exchange, even one that seemed funny at the time you wrote it (and you want it to be funny) but you wonder if it will later.
Gain some objectivity and help the post office (which is having tough times now) by letting it cool off in the mail.
Put it in an envelope, put a stamp on it, address it to yourself and mail it the next time you’re out and about (if you can be out and about.)
That way when it returns to you, you can open it and evaluate it more objectively when you see it again.
Inspiration Comes From the Unlikeliest Places
Meaningful quotes, inspiration, encouragement and ideas come from the unlikeliest places.
I’ve seen quotes that resonated with me on a trash bin in the park, inside the cardboard flap on a box of tea, etched into the sidewalk, and spray painted onto a big rock.
I believe that such things find us when we need them most.
At this time when we all need reassurance and appreciate all the encouragement we can get, seeking out the positive and tapping into that energy everyday will sustain us in these daunting times.
Happy writing!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Georgia, Nevada McPherson lived in uptown New Orleans for many years and now lives with her husband Bill and rescue Chihuahua, Mitzi in Milledgeville, GA where she is a professor of Humanities at Georgia Military College. Nevada received a BA in English/ Creative Writing and an MFA in Screenwriting from Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge. She’s written over a dozen feature-length screenplays, one short screenplay, a short play, short stories and two graphic novels, Uptowners and Piano Lessons. Queensgate, the sequel to Uptowners, is her third graphic novel. For more information, visit www.nevada-mcpherson.com.
