Seeking Inspiration by Rochelle Melander

Yesterday, a writing assignment landed in my inbox. I’d usually respond within the hour (yeah, I never was good at playing hard to get), but this time I waited a day. I’ve been worn out since National Novel Writing Month ended and haven’t felt much like writing. I’m not a big fan of waiting for inspiration—I don’t think writing works that way—so I’ve been seeking inspiration. Here are my go-to resources when I feel melancholy, tired, or just plain bored with writing and life:

Everyone’s Mandala Coloring Book (vol. 1) by Monique Mandali. My children (16 and 11) still like to sit with me at the dining room table with piles of colored pencils and crayons, and color sheets from this Mandala Coloring Book. Put on inspiring music and lose yourself in the flow of coloring.

Snowflakes: Creative Paper Cutouts by Cindy Higham. Years ago, I tried to master the art of paper cutting or scherenschnitte. When I found this book, I knew I’d discovered the perfect outlet for my passion: paper snowflakes! The author provides two pages of instruction and scads of snowflake patterns for your cutting pleasure.

Totally Tangled: Zentangle and Beyond by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. Practicing Zentangle® has made my doodling feel like a combination of mindful meditation and art making. This book has helped me find ideas for projects and new doodles.

Creative is a Verb: If You’re Alive, You’re Creative by Patti Digh. Work your way through this book or dive in wherever you feel inspired. This book will help you overcome creative fears and take on new artistic feats! (And the book contains a wonderful collection of great quotes.)

Living the Creative Life: Ideas and Inspirations from Working Artists by Rice Freemanm-Zachery. I’m always curious about how other writers and artists put together their lives—how do they find inspiration and work through creative blocks? Whenever I feel stuck, I page through this book and learn from the wisdom of working artists.

Haiku: Learn to Express Yourself by Writing Poetry in the Japanese Tradition by Patricia Donegan. In this how-to guide for children and teachers, Donegan teaches how to write haiku poems. She also includes helpful exercises for struggling writers and teachers who want to add some art or additional fun to the project. I use this every time I teach Haiku but also to play with words.

Naming the World and other Exercises for the Creative Writer edited by Bret Anthony Johnston. This thematically organized collection of writing exercises from wonderful authors will help you to sharpen your writing (or teach your next writing class).

If you’re really in need of an inspiration fix, I suggest hanging out with other artists—preferably young ones. For several years, I’ve been teaching writing to children and teens at the public libraries in town. When I’m around these bright young people, I feel like creativity is contagious. I might be fresh out of ideas for how to transform the world or even finish a story—but they’re not. Watching their ideas whizz, zip and zing around the room for an hour inspired me to show up at my desk today and keep writing.

Your turn: How do you seek inspiration?

Rochelle Melander is an author, speaker, and certified professional coach. She is the author of ten books, including the National Novel Writing Month guide—Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It). If you’re in need of more immediate inspiration and cannot get to a library or bookstore, visit Rochelle’s Pinterest boards Writing Inspiration, Exercise, Food and Tools 4 Overwhelmed Writers, and Cool Creations. For more tips and a complementary download of the first two chapters of Write-A-Thon, visit her online at www.writenowcoach.com