Inspiration isn't coming, so you better start writing
Inspiration is wildly overrated—nothing more than the result of romanticizing the creative process.
We see inspiration as this almost supernatural force that suddenly fuels our passion and makes it possible to start or finish that thing we’ve been longing to create. We tie it to moments, people, objects, or specific places. It becomes an aspiration, a goal; we want to feel inspired so we can finally act and bring out everything we’ve been holding inside.
But the truth is, inspiration is just a spark. A moment—but not necessarily a “eureka” moment. It’s not the moment of the answer, but more like a sign: now is the time to begin looking for those answers we need to shape our ideas. It’s up to us to use that spark to keep the fire going.
And while inspiration can help creativity flow, it’s a mistake to wait for it before we start creating.
Once, in a screenwriting class, a teacher I really admire told us: “Try to let the muse catch you working.” I love that phrase because it’s a slap in the face to anyone waiting for the “perfect moment” to start doing the heavy lifting. Realistically, we also use inspiration to procrastinate—a convenient excuse to avoid facing the blank canvas. We can’t spend our lives waiting for it.
The best thing you can do is start as soon as possible, regardless of the outcome. The muse might show up when you least expect her—even when it’s inconvenient. That’s why it’s better if she catches you already doing the thing you need her for. And, sorry to say, it’s also entirely possible that the muse gets lost along the way—and that inspiration you’ve been waiting on never shows up.
If you don’t believe me, just think about all those people who died waiting for “the right moment.” It doesn’t exist.
Inspiration is great but you can create without it. Do it badly, but do it now.
Thank you for reading.