How Do You Get Inspired for Your Writing? by Peculiar Medinus

 

Writing is a deeply personal and often mysterious process. For some, it’s a skill honed over years of practice. For others, it’s a passion that stems from experiences, inspiration, or even divine guidance. But where does this inspiration come from, and how do writers find their creative spark? I’d like to share my personal story in hopes that it might resonate with or inspire others.

Like most people, I began writing as a child. From scribbling out letters to forming my first coherent sentences, writing was always a part of life. However, growing up, I wasn’t entirely aware of its potential to become more than just an everyday activity.

My father, a gifted writer often referred to as "the grammar box," inspired me to develop a love for writing early on. His skill and flair for words fuelled my enthusiasm, and his guidance helped me win essay competitions. But even as I saw his talents shine, I never believed I was anywhere near as gifted as he was. Writing was never something I initially thought of as my path, but life often has its own plans.

I didn’t plan to become an author. For years, it was never a goal I actively pursued. But my life, like many journeys, was shaped by unexpected turns. Through reading the Bible, listening to powerful preaching, and immersing myself in books, seeds of inspiration were planted. Little by little, something began to change within me. I started to feel a quiet, consistent pull towards writing.

It was during those reflective, soul-searching moments that I realised this wasn’t just a passing interest. My motivation came from a higher place. I began to feel a leading from God, one that filled me with an energy and enthusiasm for writing I hadn’t experienced elsewhere. This passion grabbed me so profoundly that it would often wake me at odd hours in the night, urging me to write. Inspiration flowed during these moments of quiet stillness, and I found myself drawn to words as a means of expression.

Passion plays a huge role in fuelling creativity. When you’re passionate about something, it doesn’t always conform to your schedule. It can burst forth in the middle of the night or emerge unexpectedly during your daily activities. For me, this passion was awakening to the realisation that words could be a force for good, that they could inspire, uplift, and guide others.

Over time, I found myself not only guided by this energy but also encouraged to nurture it. Writing became a way to express my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and it gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t known before. It transformed from an activity into a calling.

So, how do you get inspired for your writing?

Everyone has their own unique source of inspiration when it comes to writing. For some, it’s the lives of those around them, captured in moments of observation. For others, it might come from music, art, or nature. Then there are those like me, who feel guided by something larger than themselves, finding purpose in their work through faith, experiences, or internal passion.

If you’re navigating your writing process and struggling to find inspiration, consider asking yourself these questions:

• What energises you? Find what sparks excitement or joy in your day-to-day life, and explore it in your writing.

• What do you feel strongly about? Passionate topics tend to translate into powerful, authentic writing.

• Where do you find peace? Often, writing is best channelled during moments of calm reflection or solitary thought.

• Is there a message you want to share? Consider the ideas or beliefs that inspire and drive you to express yourself.

Whether your inspiration strikes like lightning during a sleepless night or quietly unfolds through reflective practices, it’s deeply personal. What’s clear is that writing, at its heart, is an act of connection—to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.

For me, the inspiration to write stems from a combination of familial influence, spiritual guidance, and a growing passion to share thoughts and ideas. What’s your source of inspiration? Share your story or process below—I’d love to hear how others discover their spark for writing.