Paulo Coelho Was Right. You Just Need to Write (and Here’s How to Find the Inspiration to Do It)

Staring at a blank page with no idea what to write? You’re not alone. “Writer’s block” plagues even the most seasoned authors. The good news is that inspiration is all around you — it just takes practice to recognize and harvest those narrative seeds. As Paulo Coelho wisely put it, “If you want to be a writer, you have to read and write every day. There is no other secret.”

True inspiration springs from our unique experiences and perspectives on the world. To unlock it, we must open our minds to the rich stories swirling around us. Each conversation, place and event holds untapped literary potential if you look closely enough. Train your eye to spot the poetry in the mundane. Challenge yourself to uncover the adventure in your daily routine.

Make a habit of recording vivid notes and observations in a journal. Take stock of the sights, smells, sounds and thoughts that stick with you throughout the day. Jot down evocative snippets of overheard dialogues that catch your ear. Sketch out the curious characters you encounter on the bus or at the cafe. This raw sensory material is the clay you will eventually sculpt into living, breathing stories.

Further stoke your creative fires by immersing yourself in art, nature and culture. Learn about people with backgrounds and experiences different from your own. Wander through new neighbourhoods. Peruse exhibits at your local art museum. Sit under a tree and birdwatch. Have conversations with strangers from all walks of life. Their unique stories and outlooks will enrich your own.

As Alan Moore wisely advised, “The main thing that you have to do is suggest, not describe… Give them a venue to pour their own imagination into.” Details that spark readers’ senses and pique their curiosity are what drive engagement. Don’t just tell them about a scene — make them feel like they are there breathing it in.

When inspiration lags, don’t wait idly for the muse to strike. As Jack London put it, “You must teach yourself that the basest of all things is to be afraid.” Squash self-doubt and start writing whatever comes, no matter how imperfect. Treat early drafts as brainstorms to refine later. Defeat writer’s block simply by pushing through it. Momentum builds from motion.

See each new day as a story waiting to unfold around you. The world is brimming with as yet unwritten novels, plays, poems and memoirs. Yours are among them — you simply have to cultivate the eyes to see and the pen to transcribe. If you feel compelled to share your unique experiences and perspectives, the stories will come. Just keep writing.

Here are some additional tips for getting into a steady writing rhythm and overcoming writer’s block:

• Set a regular time to write each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Consistency helps you build momentum.
• Eliminate distractions during writing time — turn off your phone, email, and social media.
• Set small, achievable word count goals for each writing session rather than trying to write entire pieces at once. 500 words a day quickly adds up.
• Try changing your environment to inspire fresh ideas — write at a cafe, library, or out in nature.
• Begin writing sessions by revising previous work rather than starting with a blank page. It gets the juices flowing.
• Try free writing — writing whatever comes to mind continuously for 10 minutes without stopping. It loosens up creativity.
• Brainstorm lists of potential topics, characters, settings, and plot points you’d like to explore. Pick one item to dive into each day.
• Read writers who inspire you before your own writing session. Let their prose infuse your imagination.
• Maintain an “inspiration notebook” to jot down ideas and turn them into stories later.
• Share your writing regularly with others. Feedback helps shape your stories and boosts motivation.

The path from blank page to final draft is rarely easy, but with regular practice, the words will come. If you feel compelled to share your unique experiences and perspective with the world, have faith that the stories are within you. Just keep writing.”

© Buzzedison

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First Published on Medium