How to Get Inspiration to Write Your Book: 5 Key Ways
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes it’s in the smallest moments: a random thought, a chat with a friend, or even a walk around the block.
The word itself comes from the Latin inspiratio, meaning “to breathe into.” And that’s exactly what it feels like, a fresh breath that sparks something new inside you.
That’s why it’s so important to know how to get inspiration to write your book – so you can turn those fleeting moments into words.
Even when you’re passionate, you might sometimes still struggle to get the words. So, while you may be ready to write a book, where to start from may be a question that plagues you.
I’ve been there too, and I know how discouraging it can feel. That’s why I wrote this article to help. I outline five simple ways to get inspiration to write your book for people who can relate to the struggle.
1. Look Inward & Reconnect with Your Why
Let me start with a short story. When I was in SS1, I changed schools. The new school was huge, with expensive fees and a strong reputation, but I didn’t belong there. I got bullied for everything: my hair, my shoes, and even for bringing homemade meals. Adjusting to the new school was really hard, to say the least.
The only way I could cope was by writing it all down. Writing became my safe place, the one space where I could let everything out.
I haven’t written a book about that time yet, but I discovered something important from that experience: inspiration. If you ever feel stuck, you can get inspiration from your memories, your struggles, and your joys.
In essence, reconnect with your reasons, and you will find the drive to keep going.
2. Look Outward (World, Art, Culture, Observation)
I have loads of examples, but I’ll pick one. Cuando Seas Mía is still one of my favourite telenovelas, despite all the twists and obstacles.
The character, Paloma, is the reason. She was strong, stood her ground, spoke up, and never let anyone like Bárbara, Berenice, or even Antonia the psychologist intimidate her. Sometimes that strength came in unforgettable slaps that still live rent-free in my head.
Watching her inspired me to write a short story for my essay class. Back then, I hadn’t seen many strong female characters, so she lit a fire in me. I didn’t win an award, but I fell in love with writing women like her.
Like me, you can find inspiration from movies, books, art, or everyday moments. The world is full of things waiting to be noticed. Just pay attention.
3. Spark Ideas (Prompts, Freewriting, “What Ifs”)
Sometimes you have to chase inspiration. One way is by asking the “what if” questions.
- What if a neighbour had a secret life?
- What if a simple text message changed someone’s future?
Just one “what if” can grow into a whole story.
Some of the greatest ideas in history started this way. Sir Isaac Newton saw an apple fall from a tree and asked, “Is there a force pulling it down?” That curiosity led to the laws of motion.
Freewriting helps too. Set a timer for ten minutes, pick a word, and just write. Don’t edit or delete, just let it out. Even if it feels rough, you’ll often find something worth keeping.
Prompts are another way to start. For example, having a prompt like “Describe the scent of your childhood” can take you back to your childhood Saturday breakfast or your dad’s cologne.
Details like that can unlock memories and emotions that can birth a book.
4. Capture Inspiration Fast
Inspiration rarely waits until you’re at your desk. It often sneaks up while you’re cooking, in traffic, in the shower, or right before bed. The challenge isn’t finding ideas but catching them before they disappear.
That’s why you need a system. Some people use jotters, others rely on phone notes or voice memos. What matters isn’t the tool but the habit of writing it down.
How many ideas have you lost because you said, “I’ll remember it later”? We all know we rarely ever do. But if you scribbled even just a line of it in your notes app, weeks later, it can become the opening of a chapter.
5. Surround Yourself & Show Up Anyway
Writing doesn’t happen only when you feel ready. Often, it happens when you show up, even if you’re not in “the mood.” The right space and the right people make it easier.
Simple changes like finding a calm corner, having a favourite mug beside you, or playing the right music can help your mind settle.
Also, being around supportive people can help you feel better and keep going, even when things are tough.
Some of the best pages come from the days you least feel like writing but still choose to sit down. Faithfulness to the desk invites inspiration in.
Ready to Write?
Inspiration can arrive unexpectedly, but it also grows when you care for it, like tending to a plant each day. Some of your best work will come from those ordinary moments when you give yourself the permission to try.
And when those little ideas begin to form and you sense something worth sharing, you don’t have to do it alone. Nnika Publishing can walk with you to help turn those ideas into a real book; one that feels true to you, speaks to others, and lasts long after the idea first crossed your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I feel inspired, but I don’t have enough time to write?
You don’t need a lot of time to write; 10 to 15 minutes a day is enough. Writing isn’t about waiting for a free hour; it’s about building a habit. Keep a notes app or small notebook handy so you can quickly catch ideas. Later, those little notes become chapters. Consistency, not long hours, finishes a book.
2. My ideas seem too small or uninteresting. How do I know if they’re worth writing about?
Yes, they’re worth it. Every great story starts small, and your unique perspective makes it original. What feels ordinary to you can feel fresh to someone else because only you can tell it your way.
3. Can I write a book inspired by another book?
Yes, you can write a book inspired by another book. Many writers get ideas from stories they love. The most important thing is to create your own version with new characters, settings, or plot twists. Do not copy the original book’s words or storyline. Instead, let it guide you to create something new.
