Just where do we get inspiration from? What puts you in the right frame of mind to write, the right mood?
Sometimes it just comes to us, and idea pops into your head, seemingly from nowhere.  But what if nothing happens?  How long do you wait?  Is there anything you can do?  
    Nothing is guaranteed, but there are some things you can try.  Going for a walk can help.  Especially if you are lucky enough to have nice scenery to walk in.  If you don't, then what next?

I find that painting something - usually scenery - can get those creative juices flowing.  

I paint from many sources, and as I know I'm never going to be a "painter" - not being good enough for that - I'm not too precious about it.  I paint from life, in other words I go out and pick a scene and paint it.  

I also paint from... well, imagination.  I may see a scene on a calendar that takes my fancy.  Or I may find that one of the pictures I took with my digital camera is way too dull, but after jazzing it up with one of the "Paint" or "Photo" bits of software, I end up with something that could be fun to paint.  Why not?  It's not hurting anybody, and I enjoy it.  FB

The picture below, an oil painting, was done from a photograph of Lands End, the colours are fairly accurate just exaggerated slightly for the sake of a better picture.  Also, it was a good exercise in using a minimum of colours.   F.B.

Click on image
for larger version plus some real sunsets over Haverigg in the English Lake District.

This sunset over water was created entirely using a painting program on the computer - Corel PhotoPaint if I recall correctly.  F. B.

    If you can paint, this may be a way to bring the scenery to you.  Or perhaps just the act of painting can help.  If you're into it, poetry can sometimes hit the mark.  Or a film perhaps, something that gives you a change from your normal rut.  Talking to other writers is another way.  Music is one too.

The basis for the background to the Inspirations,---->  FranOnTheEdge and Sci-Fi logos and others from the same basic picture came from a marble effect done by my daughter Tricia.  

She put 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a tray full of water.    Drops of marbling ink were added to the tray with eye droppers, then the colours were gently swirled a little and then the paper was lowered onto the surface of the liquid.  It was removed carefully and allowed to dry while more paper was dipped into the tray until the ink needed replacing.  Although she did let me have a go, the paper used for the logo background was definitely her work, not mine.  FB

John has rather an elegant website which features the art of many artists - he also has links to many interesting places including other IMP's - the IMPs being members of the IMPire - part of the SFLit forum.

I'm forever grateful to the members past and present of the "Critters Club" without whom my writing wouldn't be as close to publication as it presently is.  This is a private group for those who are serious about their fiction writing and as such will not be immediately visible on arrival in the Literary forum where it resides.  If anyone is interested in finding out more about it, just post a message in Section 1 - Litforum General asking about "Critters".