Inspiration for the New Year
Where we find inspiration and how we chase it.
We’re writing this post because we’re feeling INSPIRED… and because we were just talking this morning about how you have to follow your inspiration. When you have an idea you want to run with, you have to run! Drop whatever you’re supposed to be doing and grab that inspiration! We realize this is easier said than done, because we all have obligations. But the sentiment behind this stands—treasure that inspiration and chase it as far as you can, because it’s a wonderful feeling and it’s not always there.
Treasure that inspiration and follow it as far as you can, because it’s a wonderful feeling and it’s not always there.
So, given that thought, we thought we could talk a bit about inspiration for the New Year and where/how we find and chase it. We’ve talked about related topics before (for example our post about getting out of slumps and dry spells), but it’s a new year and a we are in a different place, so how are we feeling now? What helps us find our inspiration?
How We Find inspiration
Vicky: Boredom. I dislike being bored and yet I realize I need it to create something new. Unfortunately, I’m great at filling up my boredom with random tasks. But I recognize that boredom is when I have lots of ideas. Some great places to be bored: Airplanes, waiting (in the car waiting for your kids, at the doctor’s office, at the train station, etc.), rocking your baby to sleep (I don’t do this any more, but it was a great time for ideas when I did), long road trips, getting your teeth cleaned, getting a massage… I do lots of great thinking in all of these places!
Christine: I don’t find boredom works for me. It’s almost like I’m telling my brain that I have to fill it with ideas now that I’m bored and my brain says, “nope, instead you should think all about these 208 things.”
I find I’m more likely to get ideas and inspiration when I’m actively doing something like taking a walk, or cooking dinner, or even writing something else. Then I have to remember to write down that new idea for a time when I have the space to let it grow.
Vicky: Related to boredom… I think this also means saying no to things. If I can’t find time to be bored, I have to try to make time. I usually try to power through all of my tasks to give myself some breathing room. But lately, I’ve been finding that more difficult to do because the tasks just keep piling up. So this year, I think it means I will have to say no to more things.
Christine: Yes, we have to learn to say no to things. I recently watched a webinar with some great writers including Martha Brockenbrough who pointed out that we only have so many hours in our life and how do we want to fill them? Do we want to volunteer at the Halloween party or is getting your latest book finished more important? There’s no wrong answer there by the way, I’m a room parent so I’ll pick the Halloween party right now, in this season of my life. It’s all about balance. A bonus of room-parenting is spending time in the school and classroom, places of potential book-inspiration!
Vicky: Consuming media can also inspire me. Sometimes, if you hit just the right content at just the right time, it can make your brain explode with ideas. Maybe it’s a podcast, or a book, or a TV show, or a conference. Maybe it’s reading craft books or visiting a museum. Or like the time we found inspiration when we went to see Ali Wong perform (you can read about it here)—you never know what will spark ideas! Some recent podcasts I’ve been listening to: You May Contribute a Verse, Kidlit Happy Hour, and Kids Media Club.
Christine: Get a stack of picture books from the library or browse (and buy) at the bookstore.
Vicky: Yes, I love that. I also get inspired by chatting with kidlit friends when I’m feeling stuck or just starting to think about an idea. They can give you mentor text ideas, help unblock you in a creative process, and just generally reinvigorate you.
Christine: This is a big one for me too, time spent with other creative people whether in person in a small group, at a conference, or watching webinars can help kickstart my creative inspiration. I have to be careful not to do too many of those things and kid myself I’m writing though! I can use them to refill the well, but not to fill my time with other people’s words and thoughts instead of my own.
Vicky: Since it’s January, it’s also worth mentioning Storystorm as a way to get some inspirational juice! I don’t usually follow along, but I’ve read the occasional post in the past and found them insightful, so take a peek if you’re interested in 30 days of inspiration/brainstorming posts from various authors/illustrators.
Over to You!
Those are some ideas from us, but how do you find inspiration? How will you help yourself find your creativity in 2025?
I find inspiration in reading and often the idea is NOT at all related to what I'm writing but it's motivating if nothing else. Also conversations with friends or even people I meet out in daily errands.
Thanks so much for sharing how you find inspiration, Vicky and Christine! While I don't find inspiration when I'm bored, I do feel like I need those moments of staring into space just to recharge myself. I usually find inspiration reading the "softer side" of the news or just being very observant while I'm out and about. Sometimes ideas pop into my head while I'm doing random chores. My kids inspire me, too!