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Question:

How can writers use inspiration?

For instance, let's say I am writing a short about a disaster on a futuristic moon colony (which I'm not really, in case you were wondering!).

Now, suppose one day when I was walking to class I saw something inspirational...a frost-covered tree, say, just to be cliched. This scene couldn't possibly be applied to my sci-fi short, as there is no place for crisp dawns or trees on the moon, even though I may have been greatly inspired.

So what is the solution? Forget what I have seen and concentrate on the story at hand? Try to work it in to the prose in some way? Or merely scribble it down for future reference and hope that the inspiration can be recaptured from my old notes?

Help appreciated- thanks!

PS, feel free to browse my 360 page to learn a little more about me and view a tiny portion of my work. Feedback in the form of comments or emails is what I'm looking for!


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

These things get filed away for future reference; nothing is ever wasted. If you think you may forget, have a notebook to jot down the most important feature. Perhaps writing a brief poem might capture the flavour to make it easier to reconnect with the mood later.
The mind can store these things beautifully until they find their right place and right time. I'm probably going to wait a long while before the experience of having to be rescued by air ambulance fits with something I'm working on, but one day it'll be just what I need.
Remember: nothing is ever wasted.