A common question I hear about writing in general is, “Where do you get your inspiration?” A simple enough question, but the answer can sometimes get clouded. It can be almost anything. Something you hear, or someone you see. A visual trigger of sorts, or even a reflective moment when a certain smell reaches your nostrils.

For me, it comes down to these. Books, and a woman.

When it comes to books, I used to read them late at night, sometimes by moonlight because it was the only way I could. These crazy, wonderful, adventures would take place, in locations that you could not help but be drawn to. My love of books did nothing but expand over the years, from Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson, to the John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, I enjoyed them all. One of my all time favorites, is Moby Dick by Herman Melville, and I still love it to this day.

Books gave me the inspiration to question why I enjoyed them so much, and the inspiration to write. My writing up to this point has mainly been for myself, and my own enjoyment, but I have reached a point where I want to share it with others.

Which brings us to the woman.

This is a very difficult topic for me, so please understand that. When I met this woman, I was, different. I grew up in a very dark world. One filled with pain, abuse, and misery. She was, and still is, an amazing person, that showed me that there were good people in the world. She showed me that there were people that cared. She showed me that not everyone was looking for an angle, or trying to pull a con. She showed me something I had never before experienced in my life, love.

This breathtaking woman, made me think of someone else, someone besides myself, and care about another person. She inspired me, to take a chance on myself. She inspired me to become a better man than I ever thought possible. She is the inspiration that motivates me every waking moment, of every day.

No matter the source of the inspiration, allow it to shape itself into something. Plant it, water it, and watch it grow into something truly wonderful.

Find your inspiration. Enjoy what you do.