For inspiration, try...

Reading newspapers Reading magazines Think of a story/film/play, or whatever. Dismantle it down to the bare bones of the story, change characters, names and places, and use the 'core' of the story to create your own. I did this once with a short story by Anton Chekov, submitted it to a weekly women's magazine, and it was accepted. No similarity whatsoever, needless to say, between Chekov's story and mine. I simply used his framework. Authors do it all the time! Think of Pygmalian and the film 'Pretty Woman' with Richard Gere (I think). Exactly the same story. I'm also a devotee of Writing Magazine and Writers' News. Lots of helpful articles in both mags, with ideas to get you going.

I also use a nice bottle of malt whisky at times, for inspiration. It does work, conjures up memories long forgotten etc... However, I find that the more the bottle empties, the more likely I am to throw the pen down and rush out to find a lively bar or band. You can't win sometimes.

o yes, i agree wholeheartedly.

oh, me too. Absolutely.

indeed.

Idea's for getting in the writing mood:

Ooops! Hit the panic button too soon. As I was saying, idea's for inspiration: - Use pen and paper vice a computer and let your hand just write what it wants. You won't complete a novel this way but many ideas seem to "flow" this way. - Spend time with children. They have very profound thoughts that can provide much inspiration. - Go to an old church, cemetary or some place ancient. Old places seem to cause many writers to go into a frenzy of activity. - Dress up nicely. Go to your local bookstore or library and review a few of the new releases. Always works best with a cup of tea or coffee. - Take a pad of paper and go to a mall or any area where there are a lot of people. Watch the people and take notes. Best character development idea I know of! Much luck, Sir Folgers