Last week the writing community lost one of its greatest gifts: Maya Angelou.

She was prolific. Lyrical. Compassionate. But above all, she was inspiring.

maya angelou inspiration

Maya Angelou was a Survivor

Maya suffered a lot during her life, as you’ve no doubt read or watched this week. Rape, divorce, racism.

But we don’t know her for being a tragic writer. Rather, the theme throughout her poems and books is triumph.

She was a survivor and, through her work, assured us that we could be too. That regardless of what life threw at us, we would rise. Constantly, she reminded us that we each have a unique light that we should allow to shine.

Allow Maya Angelou to Be Your Inspiration

My tip to you this week is to let Maya be an inspiration to you. Take the quotes and poems that have been floating around social media or sitting in the books in your library to heart. Rather than be bogged down by the burden of writing, focus on what pushes you to do it. Remember that you are talented. And regardless of what happens, keep going.

What’s your favorite piece by Maya Angelou?

PRACTICE

Use Maya Angelou's personal triumph for your inspiration. Take fifteen minutes to write a poem or scene that reflects the theme of triumph. Share with us below!

Monica is a lawyer trying to knock out her first novel. She lives in D.C. but is still a New Yorker. You can follow her on her blog or on Twitter (@monicamclark).

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