Do you have a circle of writing friends?  Do you have people around you who stimulate your ‘muse’?, cause you to see things in a different way?, evoke new ideas for stories?

As yet I have not found a local writers’ group, but now I don’t know if that is something I can manage or not.  What I did find this past week was two online writers’ groups, both of which I joined.   Both have a chat room.  One group meets on Tuesday evenings but they will meet if available any time someone wants to chat – which they did for me Sunday.  The other group meets on Wednesday evenings and again on Sunday evenings for a Q & A forum with a special guest.  I couldn’t get in there last night so I went to the first website I mentioned and had the fun of taking part in chat with newbies like myself, and up-and-coming writers, and well established authors – some who have one book or several books published, and some who won awards for their writing.  There also were agents and editors there that evening.  What an amazing world is the world of writing and publishing!  I sat here quietly impressed, and in awe at the fantastic ideas, and tips, and experiences of those sharing.

I have to keep reminding myself that everyone had to start at the beginning.  Each writer had to find her/his voice.  We are not all cut from the same pattern, so for me to compare myself to others is foolhardy, I’ll never get anywhere doing that.  I am me and I can only do what I can do.  What influences me comes from where I am at the time and who and what is around me.

SO, my question is … what – or who – inspires you?

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂