* Personal experiences: Many gothic authors have had personal experiences that have influenced their writing. For example, Edgar Allan Poe's experiences with the death of his mother and wife are thought to have contributed to the dark and melancholy tone of his work.
* Literature: Gothic authors are often inspired by the works of other authors. For example, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was inspired by the story of Prometheus, a Greek mythological figure who created a man out of clay and was punished by the gods for his hubris.
* History: Gothic authors often draw inspiration from historical events. For example, the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution are both major sources of inspiration for gothic literature.
* Nature: Gothic literature often features descriptions of nature that are dark and foreboding. This may be due to the fact that the natural world is often seen as a source of mystery and danger.
* The human condition: Gothic literature often explores the human condition, including themes of good and evil, love and loss, and life and death. This is because gothic authors are interested in the dark side of humanity and the human capacity for evil.