Inspiration is Everywhere

A unique name from generations ago on your family tree. An interesting mythological creature from the lands your ancestors walked. That feeling you get when an actor portrays their minor character so well that they tower above the main characters. When you find yourself stepping between the worlds of your life without a full transition and you can't help but giggle. Inspiration is everywhere. These are the small discoveries that can inspire entire worlds.

These tiny glimmers explore the deep recesses and darkened vaults of our minds where our random thoughts and knowledge is stored, seeking small connections. In time, these glimmers of inspiration act as catalysts, linking thoughts, understandings, and beliefs that generate the spark of an idea: for a character, a setting, a piece of dialogue. Through the nourishment of our thoughts, these idea sparks grow and develop, enthralling us with the myriad of possibilities they present. They become seeds, planted in the soil of our imagination.

As creatives, it falls to us to tend the soil. By tending these story seeds—through research, brainstorming, sketching, or any other creative process—they sprout into seedlings in the gardens of our minds. Through an intricate process, we are then empowered to weave those seedlings with several others. These characters, in that setting, sharing this piece of dialogue. Over time, these woven pieces evolve into complex narratives which we can in turn share with others. This has certainly held true in my experience as an author...

In the Battles in Bloomtide series, the vast majority of character names are taken from generations ago in my family tree. The main antagonist, Alphaeus, is a good example. For years, the ancestor that shares his name has led my research to a maddening dead-end. The frustration I felt at hitting that dead end seemed to echo in the very sound of the name 'Alphaeus,' a dark resonance that hinted at the villain he would become. This seemingly insignificant detail—a frustrating dead end in my family research—became the seed for one of my most compelling characters, proving that inspiration can truly be found in the most unlikely of places.

Similarly, the Guardians in my series were born from the mythological lore of the German wood-wives. These mystical beings, bound to the health of the forests they inhabit, are said to guard the balance of nature and exact vengeance on those who threaten it. This concept took root, growing into the Moss Maidens of Nalavaris—mysterious protectors of the forest, their lives intertwined with its survival. From there, the idea flourished into the lore of the Guardians, each bound to their unique environment and driven to maintain nature’s delicate balance—for their very existence depends on it.

Inspiration truly is everywhere, waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected corners of our lives. From a forgotten name on a family tree to the way a single ray of light falls across a dusty shelf, these tiny sparks can ignite entire worlds. What unexpected places have you found inspiration? Share your stories in the comments below!