Imagine this...

Find image here

As a reader, your most valuable tool is imagination.

As a writer, your most valuable tool is imagination.

See how good we are together?

In my networks, I speak with a lot of writers who struggle with the creative process.  They get caught up in the procedure of things.  They have a set schedule to adhere to; a certain number of words/sentences/pages they must produce a day; a routine that includes cappuccino, social networking and book clubs.  They search for the perfect tools to use in their writing process, not realizing that all they need they have on their person.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not your laptop; your expensive pen collection; or even that sleek new keyboard.  It is your mind.  It is a treasure that has no price tag and you never leave home without it. (unless you're a part of some cool Matrix experiment, then, by all means, ignore this rant and carry on.)

Imagination is the key.
It is all you need to create or get lost into any story.
It is the secret ingredient to any successful book, but just like a car battery that might need a a jump after a long, cold winter ~ so too ~ our minds.
It must be recharged, refreshed and rebooted like any other device.

There are many days that I need to step away from what I'm working on or what I'm reading simply because I'm in overload.  It's easy to get caught up in a routine or lack of one.
The truth is we all need a break sometimes;
a distraction;
a getaway.

Next time you're stuck on a project, or mindlessly reading a book...step away.
Get lost in life.

I find inspiration in people; their conversation; their stories.
A lot of times it's music that can balance me out.  The right tune can conjure up some great ideas and evoke the enthusiasm I need to keep grounded and keep on.
Other times it's artwork; or photography; or an image like this:

Found image on this FB page

that can spark a fire in the darkness of my mind.

It's really about moderation~
It's about keeping
and staying true to yourself and your thoughts.

So, enough of my ramblings...

What drives you?
What balances you?
What can you imagine?