Read between the lines

I find that even though my writings vary quite a bit, my readers always assume I am always writing from personal experience. I suppose it is a fair assumption since some of my most passionate writings come from my personal feelings. However, I have strived to broaden the depth of my writings from just things or people that have affected my life.

A common question I get from my readers is "what inspires you?"

I find that I am a bit of a "dark" writer. I am most inspired by tragedy, broken hearts, disappointments, even death. I think my feelings are so strong during those times that it shows through in my work. That said, you can't live your life in the dark just to stay inspired. So I have branched out, and here are some things that I have used to inspire me:

1. Music - ever notice how music affects your mood, when I want to write in a certain "mood", I listen to music that embodies that mood.

2. People watching - sometimes I write about the things I see and hear around me. Pay attention. Life is full of inspiration, it just requires you to notice.

3. Writing - I have focused deliberately on writing a line of motivational work. It is the hardest for me to write, probably because it is the opposite of the type of writing that comes easily to me. I find reading inspirational or motivational material gets me in the right mind set to come up with my own motivational thoughts.