Identifying inspiration

Bennett Schneider. Photo by Katy Ryan Schamberger.

I stumbled on a great blog prompt today courtesy of my brilliant friend, Brenda Bethman.

Q: Who inspired (and inspires!) you to write?

Some of you who have been with me for awhile know that, late last year, I stopped blogging on my personal site in favor of setting up a more Kansas City-centric presence, both as a way to promote Moon Kansas City and to share my general passion for writing and the city.

The transition has been a bit tough, because I find myself unable to wax poetic on a variety of topics. I created this blog with a vision, and I don’t want to stray from that original thinking.

Yet when I read the aforementioned prompt, I realized that, of my many inspirations, Kansas City is a huge one. Sure, I wrote a book about the city, one of my biggest and best achievements to date.

Aside from the book, much of my day-to-day writing revolves around the city, whether I’m profiling an individual or business for Kansas City Woman, or writing on local businesses for KC Business, or compiling a DIY City Guide for Charles & Hudson.

Case in point: Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours taking photos for KCW at Rimann Liquors. I also stumbled upon Euston Hardware, and spent time gathering information, photos and chatting with the manager for the DIY City Guide. I left both businesses feeling inspired by the wonderful entrepreneurial community that seems so prevalent throughout the metro. I capped off the day with an insanely good lunch at locally owned BRGR Kitchen + Bar in Corinth Square (nothing like a freakishly advanced head start on Moon Kansas City, Second Edition, right?)

I find these bursts of inspiration strike regularly–as I’m strolling through the shops in Crestwood, wandering through Westport, exploring Prairie Village or marveling at the diversity of businesses and restaurants along 39th Street.

The tough thing about Kansas City is that so many of the great shops and businesses are spread throughout the metro in little pockets, so it’s sometimes difficult to find what you’re seeking. Yet that’s what makes Kansas City such a great adventure. I’ve lived here for 6 years and find something new every day. Each time I make such a discovery, my love of Kansas City deepens and I can channel that energy into my writing.

So thank you, Kansas City. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.