The question of where to start for me today is threefold.
First - every day for me starts with coffee. I didn't become a coffee drinker until I was in my twenties, and now I can't seem to start a day without it. Okay - to be honest - I can't survive a day without it. Luckily, there are plenty of good coffee places around where I am in Harriman, NY to get coffee, but I often make it myself at home.
Who do I turn to for coffee beans? I love Partners Coffee. They fresh roast beans to order and the coffee tastes amazing. Check them out if you are in Brooklyn or order from them online.
Secondly - where do you start is probably the most-asked question I get as a writer. Inspiration is what drives writing, and without you you'll end up sitting in front of a blank screen for hours (and believe me, I've done that plenty of times!). You can't force yourself to become inspired, but I have found ways to foster it:
Listen to Music - Listening to music is my number one weapon for writing. I put my headphones on and I find myself going into the writing zone. The melody of the music can move you to inspiration, whether it is a pop song, gangster rap, classical music, or jazz. Lyrics can have a profound effect too, so don't discount them. Sometimes it is just hearing that one line that can trigger a story idea.
Taking a Walk - I may not be the most avid exercise person, but walking can do the trick in several ways. Just getting up and away from your desk can help clear your mind and get you away from what may be bogging you down. Feel the warm sun, the cool breeze, or take in the cloudy day to reinvigorate you. Also, you never know what you might see even just walking in your own neighborhood that can inspire you! Which brings us to number three...
Be Nosy - In my family it's affectionately referred to as "people peeking" (thanks, Jack!). I'm not recommending you walk up and look in someone's window, but there are plenty of ways to sit back and let the world come to you. Sit on a bench at the mall and watch people and catch snippets of conversation. You might see someone or hear something that sparks an idea for you. Social media can work wonders with this. I have fallen down the TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube rabbit hole more than once and have watched people do fascinating or bizarre things that I can use. I ask presenters questions (more on that another time) to get info and insight that works well.
Part three of where to start means starting this website. It's been a long time coming, and something I've needed, and I am glad that it is finally underway. It gives me another outlet for writing and a way to communicate with you guys so you know what I'm doing, I know what you like (and don't), and we can all have some fun.
So, let's hope this is the best way for all of us to start! I'll be fine tuning the site over the next few days to suit my whims, and I'll be blogging often so you stay informed. If you ever have any questions, just reach out to me! My social media tags are on the site, and you can email me at mikegeraghtyauthor@gmail.com as well.
As for what you can do next - what do you do to kickstart your day? What do you use for inspiration, no matter what you do? Let me know with a reply!
Until next time!