A whisper turning into something louder

I have been feeling the urge to write. I haven't really said anything about it on here because I'm not sure what I want to write. Perhaps short stories, ala David Sedaris? Something scholarly to get published in a journal (in this case it would be something I wrote when I was finishing up my Masters in History and get it polished for formal pub)? I don't even know where to start. I write periodically on here, but nothing very disciplined. I've thought about setting up a work area in my apartment, but I'm not sure I would want to stay secluded somewhere away from a t.v., which is what I would have to do. I went to an author's luncheon for work today and was really inspired by a couple of the speakers. I feel like I am being sent a message from my environment. I know that sounds a little "Oprah-y" but it's really how it seems.