This Robert Greene Quote Made Me Reflect on My Sources of Inspiration

21 May 2025 #writing

I know we’re not supposed to multitask.

But recently, while doing the dishes, I listened to this YouTube interview between Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene, two best-selling writers.

Out of all the subjects they talked about, there’s one line that I still remember:

“It’s all material”

They both share how problematic people and unexpected situations end up being material for an email or a book.

And that line made me think about unexpected situations that have inspired me to write.

#1. The other day I took a loved one to a hospital. And I ended up writing about calming my mind, the future of hospital visits with AI, and random facts about health, which I learned on that visit.

#2. Another day, a cashier overheard a conversation I had with a friend, and her reaction inspired me to write about our definition of success.

#3. I used to feel guilty about watching movies and series. But when I started watching them through a creator’s lens, I realized how much they could teach about storytelling and writing. I’ve watched and written about Six Triple Eight, Scorpion, and House M.D.. No more guilt. Just writing lessons. After all, It’s all material.