Emotion: Inspiration

When you want to write the emotion inspiration, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid showing emotions and immerse your readers in your story.

Inspiration is a feeling of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially something creative. It is the experience of having a sudden and powerful idea, thought, or feeling that motivates and energizes an individual to take action towards a specific goal. It can manifest in different forms, such as a surge of creativity, a renewed sense of purpose, or a feeling of awe and wonder. Overall, inspiration is a positive emotion that can drive individuals to achieve their goals and fulfill their aspirations.

Different Types of Inspiration

Here are some different types of inspiration:

• Creative inspiration: This is the most common type of inspiration that writers seek. It is a feeling of being motivated to create something new, whether it's a story, a poem, or a screenplay.
• Intellectual inspiration: This type of inspiration is related to learning. It is a feeling of being motivated to seek out new knowledge and to explore new ideas.
• Emotional inspiration: This type of inspiration is related to feelings and emotions. It is a feeling of being motivated to explore and understand one's own emotions and the emotions of others.
• Spiritual inspiration: This type of inspiration is related to one's beliefs and values. It is a feeling of being motivated to explore and deepen one's connection to something greater than oneself.

Situations Associated with Inspiration

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of inspiration:

• A character witnessing an act of heroism or bravery
• A character achieving a long-term goal or dream
• A character receiving recognition or praise for their work or accomplishments
• A character being exposed to new ideas or perspectives that challenge and excite them
• A character experiencing a profound connection with another person or group
• A character being moved by a work of art or literature
• A character finding a solution to a difficult problem or overcoming a challenging obstacle
• A character experiencing a moment of pure joy or excitement

Physical Reactions to Inspiration

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing inspiration might have:

• Bright and sparkling eyes
• An open and relaxed posture
• A slight smile on the face
• Engaged and enthusiastic expression
• Increased energy and movement
• Quick and purposeful movements
• Animated gestures and facial expressions
• Speaking with passion and vigor
• A sense of excitement and anticipation
• Increased creativity and flow of ideas
• Willingness to take risks and try new things

Thoughts Associated with Inspiration

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing inspiration might have:

• I feel a surge of creativity and energy.
• I can see the possibilities and potential in everything.
• Everything feels fresh and new, like I'm seeing it for the first time.
• I feel motivated and driven to create something amazing.
• My mind is racing with ideas and I can't wait to get started.
• I'm inspired by the beauty and complexity of the world around me.
• I feel a sense of purpose and direction, like everything is falling into place.
• I'm filled with a sense of awe and wonder.
• I feel grateful for the opportunity to create and express myself.

Atmosphere of Inspiration

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of inspiration in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use descriptive language to create a vivid and uplifting atmosphere
• Incorporate elements of nature, such as a beautiful sunrise or a blooming garden, to symbolize new beginnings and possibilities
• Set the scene in a place that is associated with creativity and inspiration, such as an art studio or a library
• Use music to set the tone and evoke emotions that inspire characters and readers alike
• Include characters who embody the emotion of inspiration, such as a mentor or a motivational speaker
• Show characters engaging in activities that inspire them, such as painting or writing, to demonstrate the power of creativity
• Use dialogue that encourages characters to chase their dreams and reach their full potential

Verbs Associated with Inspiration

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of inspiration:

• Motivate
• Ignite
• Spark
• Encourage
• Stir
• Infuse
• Awaken
• Energize
• Enthuse
• Galvanize
• Invigorate
• Propel
• Rouse
• Stimulate

Emotions Before Inspiration

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences inspiration:

• Confusion
• Frustration
• Disappointment
• Sadness
• Anger
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Doubt
• Insecurity
• Envy
• Jealousy
• Loneliness
• Isolation
• Despair
• Helplessness
• Powerlessness

It's important to note that while negative emotions can often spark inspiration, positive emotions such as happiness, excitement, and contentment can also lead to inspired ideas.

Emotions After Inspiration

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences inspiration:

• Motivation
• Excitement
• Enthusiasm
• Passion
• Determination
• Confidence
• Creativity
• Satisfaction
• Fulfillment

Telling Inspiration Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion inspiration in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She felt inspired by the beauty of the sunset.
• His words were so inspiring, they made her want to change the world.
• The painting was so inspiring that it moved her to tears.
• They listened to the motivational speaker and felt inspired to pursue their dreams.
• She read the book and felt so inspired that she started writing her own novel.
• The music was so inspiring that it made her want to dance.
• He watched the movie and felt inspired to become a better person.
• The teacher's words were so inspiring that the students felt like they could conquer the world.
• The sight of the mountains was so inspiring that it made her want to climb them.

Practical Examples of Showing Inspiration

Here are some examples of showing inspiration in a sentence:

• A flutter of excitement rose in her chest as she read the latest issue of her favorite magazine.
• He couldn't wait to start writing his next novel after reading the biography of a successful author.
• Her fingers itched to pick up the paintbrush as she gazed at the stunning sunset over the horizon.
• The sight of a young musician playing on the street corner ignited a spark in her heart and made her want to create something beautiful.

Exercises for Showing Inspiration

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing inspiration:

• Start by identifying the source of inspiration for your character. Is it a person, a place, an event, or an object? Once you have identified the source, describe it in detail and highlight its significance to your character.
• Consider the physical manifestations of inspiration. How does it make your character feel? Are there any changes in their body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice? Write a scene that captures these physical manifestations.
• Think about the internal conflicts that come with inspiration. What are the doubts, fears, or insecurities that your character may have? How do they overcome them? Write a scene that depicts your character facing these internal conflicts.
• Explore the impact of inspiration on your character's relationships. How does it affect their interactions with others? Write a scene that shows how inspiration changes the dynamics between your character and someone else.
• Consider the long-term effects of inspiration. How does it shape your character's goals, aspirations, or values? Write a scene that showcases how inspiration influences your character's future plans.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full emotions thesaurus.