I have so many ideas floating around in my head...... I have been writing my novel since high school and I'm 23. I'm working on a short story based on a dream that I had, but I just can't seem to get into the mood to actually sit down and write.

I come up with all of these random ideas, but I just can't get anything on paper.

Someone inspire me?

I'm not sure if this is something anyone can really help you with - at least, not in the way you're asking. I have this problem a lot myself, so I tend to carry around a little notebook and a pencil. If an idea strikes me, I quickly scribble something down. Maybe a sentence, a verse, or a couple words. Then, if I don't have time or the inclination to write anything else, I abandon it.

Also, everyone has different things that inspire them. For some, it's other books or poems. Or nature. Or people. Try and look around for what inspires you. Or maybe put a couple sentences or notes down, then revisit it later. It might be that you still don't know what to write, exactly, and that's okay. It may be an idea that just takes time, or something you scrap. You're never obligated to write something that simply doesn't appeal to your imagination.

Do you want a prompt? I have a whole bunch of them, from A to Z, and I'd be more than happy to share~ Of course, they're only little one-word phrases that I use to kick-start a whole giant thing, but if that appeals to you, just let me know. Personally, I find that writing a little can get you geared up to write more over the long run, but if you need a jump-start with that novel of yours, you could always try NaNoWriMo! It's actually starting in a few hours, but better a few minutes late than never?

Good point. I'll go and people watch tomorrow or something. Hm.

A prompt would be awesome. xD

Well, I've got "osmosis" which is a really great concept when you think about it! Figuratively, literally, any way you slice it. But if that doesn't work, you can also try "secrets" and put that to any sort of character you can think of. Also, if you can think of any poem; my favorite is "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost and that's inspired so many (because of the concept of fire versus ice which is always a great dynamic for characters). If you'd like any more sort of prompts, or prompts in a different style, let me know! :)

Thank you. I'll see what I can come up with. xD

5+ years is a long-ass time to need to be 'inspired', . I'm only eighteen and I've already been plugging my short stories to publications like crazy.

Every famous author I can find- they've all said the same thing. There is no such thing as 'the mood to write.' Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Kurt Vonnegut, Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, John Steinbeck, Poe, King, Twain, ALL OF THEM- they've all said that writing is writing. It is work, it your job, it is your life, it is your essence. If you aren't feeling creative, too bad. It's about work. Bleeding for your art. I think it was Ray Bradbury who said you can't start out doing novels. Do a short story every week. It doesn't have to be long or complex or interesting or good, but eventually you'll get there. You can't write 52 bad stories in a row.

I guess what I'm saying is that, according to the experts, it's not about being 'in the mood' or 'feeling creative'. It's about working. It's about the words, and whether you feel them or not, you'll get there eventually.