Last week I talked about research trips adding dimension to our writing.
As writers, side trips away from our desks and computers aren’t just a fun way to “get away from it all.” These trips recharge our brains and fuel our creativity. When we see something besides the four walls of our offices or work spaces, we’re reminded that there is life beyond the computer screen and our solitary worlds.
Writing is a hard gig. No matter how much we love it and what we’re willing to give up for it, our minds and bodies crave renewal. We need something more. That doesn’t mean we’re lazy or unprofessional or that we lack stamina.
To stay tethered to the same thing day in and day out leaves no room for growth–personally or professionally.
I find that I’m most inspired when I’m out and about experiencing God’s creation. (Mary Vee also spoke about this recently on my blog.)
There’s just something about being exposed to different sights, sounds, and environments. 
Since I live in the gorgeous Ozarks, I’m just a short drive from inspiration on any given day. I often carry a little notepad or my iPhone for note-taking, and sometimes, I never know where I might end up. That’s the beauty of it!
Last weekend, I visited College of the Ozarks,(my alma mater), otherwise known as “Hard Work U.”
C of O is nestled in the majestic Ozark hills and surrounded by beautiful lakes and breathtaking scenery.
To get a full feel for life in the Ozarks, you may want to read Harold Bell Wright’s The Shepherd of the Hills, a timeless story about life, love, romance, and faith.
Often, as I flesh out the characters of my own stories, I think about what fuels my creativity:
- My faith
- My family
- Memories of childhood
- life in the Ozarks
- The hills and hollows of “God’s country”
- Leisure drives
- Day trips
- Unexpected, but welcomed, adventures!
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What fuels your creativity?
Where are you most inspired?
Reminder:
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Happy Friday and Blessings Always,
Comments 6
Your Ozarks are beautiful. They remind me of Indiana’s Brown County. So inspirational.
I love unexpected adventures. Along with everything else, I find inspiration in those because I’m usually forced to step out of my comfort zone. In writing – we need to do that every once in a while too. Great post.
Author
Loree: The Ozarks are indeed lovely. Some areas are still a delightful step back in time. There’s no place I’d rather be…except, perhaps, the beach! Stepping out of our comfort zones enlarges our perspective.
Keli: Thank you for the kind compliment. I love Victorian-era homes. If you and Gwynly take a vacation up our way, you need to visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas. You would absolutely adore the Victorian homes and historical landmarks of the area.
Love that picture, Cindy. You look great, and the setting is awesome, too.
Walking is one of the ways I fuel my creativity. I live in a Gold Rush-era town and pass a number of elegant Victorian homes on my way to our historic downtown, which helps time warp me to the 1800s when my stories take place.
You know how much I love that photo!
I find inspiration through scripture most often, but I can grab it from conversations, nature, sounds and even smells!
🙂 Happy Friday, friend!
Author
Jess, God’s word moves me toward greater heights. Above all, He should be our #1 inspiration. And “Happy Friday” to you, too!
Your photos remind me so much of the West Virginia hills where I grew up. They inspire a lot of my writing.