Where should I go for inspiration?

Look into Nick Hornby’s books. Another author you might try is Carl Hiaasen. He’s got both adult and youth fiction, with a definite quirkiness.

The short story “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison, or the music album “Thing Fish” by Frank Zappa. I commend you for being dedicated enough to write as much as you have. I have the attention span of a gnat. Oh, Spring Snow by Mishima, that’s priceless, even translated it still exudes such bitter sweet beauty. When stuck, cheat, find a way to find a groove. Sorry, this isnt very good advice. I’m in a huge rut at the moment, but I’m great at telling other people what they should do, ha.

Go on a nice trip. If thats your sort of thing that is.

I find it always helps me find inspiration every time i do.

Look up A Year of Rhymes, Be True To Your School, and Running With Scissors.

That’s all I got.

The Virgin Suicides

Last Night I Sang to the Monster by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
If I Stay Gayle Forman

These are all young adult fiction published since 2008. They are all excellent reads with very different plots, storylines, and writing styles. They are all very well written and definitely worth reading.

When I lose inspiration with my writing I don’t always turn to more prose. Sometimes the best motivation is something unexpected and fresh. Try looking up some kind of poetry that you think your characters might fall upon. What would motivate them!?

I also highly recommend graphic novels (not anime). There’s something about the visual content of a book that can spark inspiration, the gestures that are made, how you read different scenes in a particular order.

I’m hesitant to give you any specific titles, mainly because I don’t think you should be influenced that way. A fresh, original story needs fresh original ideas. So I wouldn’t worry about how other YA novels portray romantic relationships, because then your writing will look just like theirs. Write what you personally think your characters would do. If they’re real to you, they’ll be real to your readers, no matter what happens to them.

What about running an ad asking for volunteers to share their stories? The truth can be more inspirational than fiction.

@augustlan, I looked up some of his works on wikipedia, and it looks just like what I’m looking for. Thanks!

@truecomedian, excellent. I’ll check out your suggestions. I also hope you find your way out of your rut soon.

@uberbatman, I don’t have much time for a trip now, but I’ll see what I can do to get out of the house… maybe go people watching. Thanks!

@kevbo, will do. Thank you much.

@stardust, got it. Thank you very much.

@SuperMouse, I looked those up. They look like what I’m looking for. Thank you!

@Carly, those are actually excellent suggestions. Advice taken. I’m going to go pretend I’m the protagonist and write some poetry :)

@Pied_Pfeffer, that’s a great idea. I’ll put out a campus bulletin.

Thanks everyone!

Go to the source! Whatever your book is about, you should go to the source, and write from there. Everything is based on fact first.

@SuzieG, excellent suggestion. I spent some time on my own campus last night and had a brief rush of inspiration. Welcome to Fluther, too, by the way.

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard Thank You kind sir! For every book you write, always put yourself in the situation, and get the REAL feelings for your REAL experiences. Thanks again for the Welcome!

It occurs to me that you might find a spark in watching some movies with a coming-of-age theme—to get a concentrated dose of vicarious experience, to take it from another medium so it’s easier to steer clear of unconscious imitation, and to recognize and avoid clichés.

There are many such movies—it’s been a popular theme for just about as long as there have been movies. Naturally I can’t produce a list off the top of my head, but other flutherfolk probably can. Perhaps this list might help.

Excellent, @Jeruba, that’s a great list. Thank you.

Well, I’ll tell you something, never allow yourself to be inspired by having a deep-seeded crush/obsession on a celebrity. You may never succeed… at either. Just saying. Because focus, in either direction, distracts and eventually crumbles your caring interest for both.

Try focusing on a tree. At least it branches well.

Hey, hmm, I wonder if I can use th—

Naw. You think?