It is time to tune in to good old inspiration.

Writing can be therapeutic; it can channel anger and sadness, releasing bottled emotions, allowing tension to slip away as you become immersed within your story line.

In this day and age, freelance writers cannot afford to write for pleasure very often. Time becomes very precious, with rigorous schedules in place to enable them to succeed in a competitive market; ambitions often drive them to breaking point. But every now and then, it is important to re-evaluate their values and write purely for pleasure, for release and for satisfaction.

Think back to moment when you realised you wanted to be a writer. What was it about writing that attracted you most? Was it unique opportunity to be able to glimpse into a different world or see life through another’s eyes? Did lyrical qualities of poetry inspire you to put pen to paper or did you feel untapped creativity surging through your body as inspiration come to life?

When we write for ourselves, we do not need to worry about word count or house style, our tensions evaporate as we become one with our subject. When our creative juices are exhausted, we feel contented again. These words are not wasted, even if they may never be published, they are just ways of channelling your feelings and they enable you to remember, why you became a writer in first place.

Hone your skill, perfect your art, but when life gets too much, take time out to lose yourself in your creativity and just write for pure pleasure.

=> Ideas from: Your knowledge

What do you know? Start by making a list of all subjects you were good at in school. Then list all jobs you've had – yes, part-time work counts.

Also list: * Your hobbies. Are you a keen Chihuahua breeder? Do you quilt? Take photographs?

* Your current job. What are you learning in your job that other people would pay to learn?

* The places you've lived. Your hometown may be boring to you, but guide books sell well.

* Your family tree. What special knowledge do your nearest and dearest have that you could write about?

Spend around ten minutes writing down as many subjects as you have knowledge about.

=> Ideas from: What you enjoy most

Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson freely admits that she cooks because she loves to eat. Nigella has turned her love of food into a career. She regularly produces bestselling books. (Her chocolate recipes are brilliant.) What do you love? People have written about garage sales, cosmetics, cars, vacations. If you love something, chances are that thousands or maybe millions of others will love it too.

Watch newspapers and take note of current trends. Or better yet, listen to what your children are talking about, or asking you to buy for them. Children tend to be well up on what’s happening.

=> Ideas from: Challenges

You face challenges every day. Most are minor, some are major challenges. If you've ever faced a large challenge, or if you're facing one right now, then consider that things you learn could help other people. Whatever your challenge is, whether it’s moving house or confronting a life-threatening illness, other people face same challenges, and in those challenges lie seeds of books.

Make a list of 20 challenges you've faced in your life. Anything catastrophic qualifies: losing your job, facing bankruptcy, betrayal of a spouse. If you've had a quiet life, then make a list of challenges that people you know have faced.

See? Within an hour or so, you've got more ideas for books than you'll be able to write in a dozen lifetimes. And these will all be books that only you could write, because they're based on your knowledge and experiences.

***Resource box: if using, please include***

Digital-e: For writers and creatives. Ebooks, free ezines, Creatives Club. Love to write? Turn your talent into a business! http://www.digital-e.biz/