These are a few…
Watching a film at the cinema that makes me sit back at the end and think, I want to write something that powerful.
©2010 Julia Anderson, used with permission
Walking through a wooded glade on a summer’s day, birdsong competing with the chirping of crickets, dappled sunlight lighting the way.
Wandering through art galleries and sitting in front of any painting that grabs my attention, studying the composition, the colour, each brushstroke by the artist.
Reading familiar stories told in unfamiliar ways.
Listening to music that causes an upwelling of emotion, in perfect harmony with each crescendo.
©2010 Julia Anderson, used with permission
Bonsai trees, because they’re complete worlds in themselves.
Talking to other creative people, which always generates an avalanche of ideas.
Walking into a traditional stationers, which presents a world of fountain pens, writing paper, quills, ink and wax seals, all containing the potential of great words.
Visiting art supply stores, with pristine canvas and paints secured in tubes, neatly and chromatically arranged, waiting to erupt chaotically onto the canvas to tell their own story.
All these things spark my creativity. What sparks yours?
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Write Anything 
Doughnuts. Lots of doughnuts. Strawberry-iced, sprinkle encrusted doughnuts, to be exact.
But more seriously, reading other people’s flash fiction has been enlightening. It has shown me new perspectives, genre, style and voice. It has also helped consolidate the genres that I prefer to write in, but still offering new ones to try.
And music is up there for creating a mood or atmosphere in which to write.
Even a blank page inspires. And scares.
I just wish I had more time to tend my orchids and bonsais.
All of the above and more. A random thought, a line of dialogue, poetry, or a tangent in conversation.
I’m with you… a powerful book or film makes me want to create something just as powerful or well-written.