When Inspiration Doesn't Strike
Start writing a post
Entertainment

When Inspiration Doesn't Strike

Creative inspiration is a fickle visitor.

29
When Inspiration Doesn't Strike
Bonnie Kittle

When inspiration doesn’t strike, writing becomes an uphill battle. Can you tell by that cliché metaphor that creativity isn’t striking me right now? Sometimes, no idea I come up with sounds good enough, or original enough, or interesting enough, and I’m left staring at a blank document begging my brain to just THINK OF SOMETHING.

I’m in a creative writing class this semester and my professor said something last week that made me reconsider the “writer’s block” dilemma that I so often have. She said that sometimes you can’t just wait for inspiration to “strike.” Sometimes, you just have to sit down and start writing until you feel inspired. Flannery O’ Conner once said, “If I waited for inspiration, I’d still be waiting.”

Her words made me feel “called out” (that’s what the kids say these days, right?) because I know I use “not feeling inspired” as an excuse not to write. I let myself sit around and wait for inspiration to strike rather than forcing myself to write in its absence.

But then I realized that the quote was actually freeing. I don’t have to wait for some grandiose idea to come to me in order to write. I put all this pressure on myself to have a great idea before I can even attempt to write, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Plus, a huge part of writing is revision, so if your first attempt isn’t an award-winning novel yet, that's okay. In fact, that's normal.

Inspiration might not be present at the moment, but that doesn’t affect my ability to write. I’m in charge of what I write, so I don’t have to wait for anything. Inspiration has no schedule, but if you’re writing whatever you can without it, it will eventually come and you’ll be ready.

Even without inspiration, your writing has value. The beautiful thing about writing is that whatever you write is unique to you and you alone. Your experiences are yours and no one else has thought and felt the exact same way as you.

I say all this like I know what I’m talking about, but in reality, I could barely get two pages written for a creative writing assignment last night. I didn’t like my character and I knew I was being lazy with the conflict I tried to create.

Thankfully, it was only a first draft, and not everything I write has to be a masterpiece. But that shouldn’t stop me (or you) from writing. So let’s all just get comfy somewhere, put on some music, and write.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55618
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35861
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957863
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186340
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments