I always feel that ‘Inspiration’ is a rather lofty word and far too grand for the urge to write that is often sparked by an overheard snatch of conversation or possibly a domestic disaster, such as a recipe that hasn’t worked out too well. That is not to say I haven’t experienced the compelling urge to nail the last line of a poem that has kept me awake until the early hours, but that doesn’t happen daily, which is probably just as well in the interests of marital harmony.

My most reliable source of creative stimulation is my notebook. I favour a book that can easily be stuffed in a handbag or large pocket so that it’s not likely to get left behind and I can scribble away on trains, in waiting rooms, in a café – anywhere. I jot down all sorts of random thoughts which might well end up ‘on the cutting room floor’, but that doesn’t matter. Sometimes it’s the most unlikely jotting that forms the basis of something worthwhile.
On days when you want to write but really haven’t a thought worth working with, I suggest trying my trick of writing a few lines about a vegetable. It doesn’t matter what you write – there’s nobody looking over your shoulder and if they are, they shouldn’t be. I find this gets me started and invariably unlocks all sorts of ideas. It doesn’t have to be a vegetable, of course, but red peppers always work for me.

Writing can be a lonely business and it’s also extremely difficult to obtain objective feedback from family or close friends, however supportive they are. For these reasons, many of us find it helpful and enjoyable to join a writing group or to take part in a writing course. Poetry is very much my thing and, having thought I would never, ever take part in an open-mic event, I now thoroughly enjoy them. There is much to be gained from the informal chats at any such gathering – just make sure you have your notebook handy, not just to record ideas that can be worked on, but to gather practical hints about publishers and competitions, etc.

What I Get Out of Writing

I’ve always written, wielding a thick wax crayon to record my holiday experiences and other riveting tales from an early age. So apart from any more logical rewards, I feel the urge to write and am quite miserable if circumstances get in the way. I don’t have to write for hours on end, but I do need to have some writing time every couple of days or so.

Writing things down helps me to make some sense of what’s going on in good times and in those difficult patches where you can feel you’ve lost all control over your life. It’s important to keep in mind that nobody else needs to see what you’ve written. There’s a time to share and a time when you just want to get things out of your head.

Heather is an inspiring writer who just happens to win awards and competitions. In 2025 she celebrated the publication of her latest poetry pamphlet, Beware the Exploding Yoghurt Pot.