Normally, as happens to all writers, the most common question asked is where I do get ideas for my stories.

I get them same place all the other writers do.

At the store.

My favorite place is downtown about a block off Main Street. Quaint little place on the right called The Shiny New Idea Shoppe. (I hear the spring collection will be in next week).

But the question today was ‘Where do you get your inspiration?’

Unfortunately, that’s a little more difficult. Everyone finds inspiration in different places in different ways. So I can only speak for myself.

Here is what I find that works for me.

1. Quotes – I seriously adore quotes. On any given day, I can usually find a quote that helps me get through the situation at hand. There are millions of tiny nuggets of wisdom out there that are so very profound and some that just plain tickle my funny bone. I mean, really, how can one not laugh at Maxine.

2. Music – From Country to New Age to Pop to Yanni, I love it all. Find me the right song and I am on a natural high. Not necessarily a pretty sight with me dancing and singing along, though. I have certain types of music for writing that is different from every other activity.

3. Books – Have you read a good book lately? Of course you have. And, after reading that awesome book, didn’t you hold it close to your chest, Texas size stars in your eyes, and promise the universe you’re going to write one also? If the book was a bad one, you threw it against the wall and yelled about how much better you could’ve written it!

Good or bad, you were inspired! And writers need to read more than the general public. Not only to keep up with the industry, but to motivate us to write one ‘as good as’ or ‘better than’ the ones we read. Every writer has that one book they’ve read that provided the spark to stop saying, ‘One day..’ and start booting up their computer.

4. Movies – Who doesn’t love movies? From comedies to horror, chick flicks to drama, there is something for everyone. Personally (and sadly), I find inspiration during the credits. I love watching the different names that scroll across the screen. Cool names just light my fire for a good story.

5. People – This is a hard one. Because there are so many people that rank high on my awesome meter.

I have one writer friend who is so involved with things it’s virtually impossible to keep up with all she does. Twitter, facebook, multiple blogs, coordinating contests. And she writes tons of books also while holding down a full time job.

Another writer friend plugs along, not as involved with things like those mentioned, but concentrates on her writing and produces book after book (after book…etc). She’s always there with a helping hand and can be a mean devil’s advocate which makes me think.

Another friend is a fireball and lives life to the absolute max going a bazillion miles an hour.

Still another one helps me the most with ideas and plotting problems I have which gets me back on track. And she keeps me honest.

There is a new kid (writer) on the block that is so together and so excited about writing, that she helps renew that same spirit in all of us.

Even reading success stories about people I don’t personally know, writers on not, can get me excited about sitting at my keyboard. I love successes. Reminds me I can be one also.

So what/who inspires you and how?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May the sun shine, all day long,
everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true!~Irish Blessing