For me the two best sources of inspiration are reading and walking. I find that, especially when I’m struggling to write, it’s a good idea to just cram a ton of other people’s writing into my head and hope it sparks something. It doesn’t have to be poetry or literature, either. I just a read a bunch of stuff about televised Senate hearings in the 1950s and somehow even that started to get some gears turning. Then I like to go for long walks with my dog and just let my mind wander as we go. It’s a great feeling to come home excited to write.

-Ben Fowlkes, Volume XXX, 2026

I look to people. Even the most trivial conversation with a stranger might inspire a scene in a novel or story. Although nothing is ever trivial to me.

-Grace Whitmore, Volume XXX, 2026

Family!

-Celia Lawren, Volume XXX, 2026

Whenever I’m stuck in my writing, I pick up a book and read.

-Joshua Zeitler, Volume XXX, 2026