Goodreads asked Gary Gach:

How do you get inspired to write?

Gary Gach 2% inspiration.
98% perspiration.

So sometimes the question might be about how I am inspired to follow-through or re-write, rather than to write.

It's raining right now, so it's easier to write 'cos there's nowhere to go.

For inspiration, I need only pause, breathe, and listen to the music of the rain. Precious water.

In any event, I find that processing my experience through language can be an edifying as well as a pleasurable process, for me – and apparently others too.

I'll add I don't necessarily write to tell anyone what I know or feel. For me, writing's not self-expression, nor a brain-dump. It's more about writing to see what I think, & to discover what is the nature of care.

I'm often motivated nonintentionally. It's sort of similar to how a person doesn't say, "Now I'm going to write a haiku about impermanence," but, being vulnerable to life within & without – shazam! — the sound of a falling leaf makes a deep impression resulting in an expression matching the moment & the mood. Late autumn breeze ... the tips of the maple leaf scraping the concrete.

Remaining open / letting go – while also keeping in hand a certain critical discernment. For instance, I always ask my composition if / how it might make a difference in the world, even if razor-thin.

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