One question I have been asked almost every day this summer on tour is where do you get your ideas from, or what inspires you and it got me thinking all about the inspiration behind my writing. Ideas for me are something my head is overflowing with, but turning those ideas into something further can sometimes need a little help and I find research is the solution.

People often think of research like a ball and chain locking you to a desk, but when I think of research I think of adventures and new experiences. There is so much you can learn from books and internet but for me nothing compares to the feeling of learning something first hand.

And getting out there can also be healthy for writers who can easily fall into the trap of spending too much time glued to a desk battling writers block alone. You are not alone and there are so many other writers out   who would love to connect with like minded people, social media is great for connecting with others, but getting out there and meeting them face to face can open up doors to so many new stories and friends you may never have met before.

Here are some of the ways I combat the isolation of being a writer:

I attend a weekly writing meet up with some of my fellow SCBWI friends, we set aside 1 day a week in term time and work in each others company, great for reducing procrastination, bouncing ideas off each other and having a structured day. We usually spilt our day with independent writing/editing etc then lunch and sharing followed by a bit more independent work. Having familiar faces around you when you work gives you encouragement when you need it but also discipline to crack on with those deadlines or new ideas. I get so much more done on these days, as my phone is on silent, the world knows i’m not available and world of social media can wait.

There are often rumours that writers live in caves in the mountains and only ever come out of isolation for tours and book events, but I’ve found this myth to be in true in most cases, writers are often social people who like to support and encourage each other by attending each others events, going to workshops and master classes together (yes we are always still learning) and just being around other writers. I’ve found this especially true of children’s writers and especially those in the SCBWI (Society of children’s book writers and illustrators) and the SOA (society of authors) These events are a chance to meet new people, get inspiration from the amazing projects people are working on and pick up some motivation to get to your next goals.

Whether it’s down the road or half way round the world, whether your budget is endless or no existent there are so many ways to get out there and experience new things, and what way to bring an authentic voice to a story that by being able to recall the smells, sights sounds and feelings that each new adventure brings. From camping and searching for dragons in the forests of Anglesey to scuba diving in the beautiful waters of Greece. Rollercoasters in Spain to hiking in Scotland, to learning how to knit or speak a new language, adventure can be found anywhere, it’s just about taking the leap and embracing new experiences, you don’t have to be an adrenaline lover or athletic, there is something out there for each of us that can bring richness to our stories and new ideas to our brains.

Whether it’s your phone, a notepad or a post it note. Don’t let those ideas slip away, grab them while their fresh, doodle, sketch, draw, bullet point, whatever comes naturally but don’t loose the magic when it sparks. Do you find inspiration at night? Best place for a notepad is under your pillow then. Does your mind reveal its newest masterpiece when running or walking? Voice record those sparks of interest and jot them down when you get back.

Everyone gets their ideas and inspirations in different ways, but if once you find that source that gets you bouncing like a kid at christmas don’t let it go!