Researching Leads to Inspiration

I love doing research because it leads to inspiration for me. Sometimes it's a new chapter that I hadn't planned on, or an entire new book idea that springs up. History in particular is a subject that I love, but not just any history. I like to find the stories that haven't been told, things that were covered up by the conquerors.

While researching recently I was struck with an idea for a novel but it was set in a time period that is so overdone that I myself cringe at the thought of reading anything set in that era. But, there remains a story that is untold and that drew me in like a moth to a flame. Still, I wanted the idea itself to be unique, not just the story. Editing another book as I am, I put thoughts of the story aside to work on later.

Photo Credit: Dwayne Johnson

But my muse had other plans. He woke me in the middle of the night (Did I mention this is how I picture my muse? He's very demanding. You don't say no to a man like that.) and inspired me with a beautiful, original idea. So I was up half the night jotting down notes. Then of course my dreams were all centered on the story, bringing the people within it to life and even more ideas to the table. This leaves me with no choice but to start outlining or the idea will drive me crazy. How about you, does inspiration ever keep you up at night? And do you find inspiration from research?