Imagine this:

You set aside the time to write. The house is finally quiet. Every responsibility is tucked out of sight.

You sit down at your computer… and don’t feel like writing.

There are few things that are more frustrating to an author. Often, these moments happen right when you must get something written.

I’ve learned that this only happens when I need a break for inspiration.

Inspiration? We tend to think of inspiration as a creative spark, possibly coming from outside ourselves.

But look at the word.

Wikitionary defines Inspiration as:

1. The act of inspiring or breathing in;
2. breath
3. (physiology) the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm.
4. The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
5. A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.

I’ve learned that when I’m stuck or feel the ‘don’t wannas’ I need to get moving, get breathing. I get up for a fast walk in the neighborhood, a run in the park, fifteen minutes of chasing Rose around the house, dancing in place or even some fast house cleaning.

When I return from inspiring air, low and behold, my writing inspiration has returned.

Recently, my twitter buddy Lyn Thorne-Alder, writer of Addergoole, was on deadline and stuck. I encouraged her to try my walk inspiration trick. After a quick walk around the block, she easily made her word goal for the day.

Works every time.

What works for you?