I get inspiration walking by the streets. When i need some, i just go out and walk, and walk, and walk until my muscles ache.
Usually it helps.
If you want to write a novel, start thinking what you want to write about.
Let's say that you like sci-fi, for example.
You need a plot, but a good one. What if aliens invaded Earth? It's a classic and it's hard to find something new to write about, since many books talk about it. But you still like this idea because you want to talk about the desperation of a population getting annihilate from another one. How can this be more interesting, for your readers?
Idea! You can write a book about humans attacking another planet, describing the thing from the alien's point of view. It may be a good idea and now you have a heart for your plot.
Now you have to think about the most important details:
- how these aliens look like?
- how do they think?
- what is their technologic level?
- how is the story going to end?
- and when does it start?
- are humans good or evil?
- how did humans get to this alien planet? (the technologic part is important in sci-fi)
Now think about characters. Who is your main character? How is him/her? And then all other characters.
Now turn back thinking about the plot. Every good novel has at least two main plot twists. Are they good? Do you think people will appreciate them?
After all this work, you don't need inspiration for the entire novel. You neer inspiration for many little steps and it's way easier this way.
Hope this helps.
Source: myself. I studied (not at school) how to write a book.
