Every strike of inspiration I can recall — many of which have led to fairly solid ideas, sometimes even Real World Things — happened upon me completely by accident.

Most of these moments have begun with me doing something completely unrelated to writing, such as taking a shower, cooking dinner, or watching a TV show during my designated “me” time.

I’m grateful for all the times I’ve been minding my own business and BOOM — an idea hurls its imaginary body directly into my chest and I’m on the ground and I can’t breathe but also NEW IDEA!!

Though most people don’t realize it, this is generally how ideas form. Inspiration — “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative,” says the dictionary — can technically be forced. But not in the ways you’ve probably tried to force it.

Let me know…