Running Out Of Ideas To Write About?
Here’s an old trick.
Sometimes I get into a rut and can’t find anything to write about or don’t like any of my ideas for articles. It can be discouraging but at the same time, I found a trick that gets those creative juices flowing and may help you too.
The Trick
I have a list of my published articles and when I’m looking for motivation I scroll through the list which helps me draw new ideas. Sometimes I even set the timer for 10 minutes and scroll through the list and write down as many titles as I can come up with.
Why Does This Work?
This exercise works because it gets you in the writing zone and reading old titles helps with a writing flow. It can help you come up with follow-up articles, a spin-off, maybe a new story about a related topic, and sometimes not related at all. The ten-minute timer allows for a brain dump not caring about anything but getting out the ideas.
I Use Titles And Subtitles
While I’m doing this exercise I typically write down the title and subtitle for the article, which gives me a better idea and reminds me of what direction I wanted the article to go in.
You Don’t Have To Use Them All
Plenty of times I’ve written down a title for a new article and when I go back to it I hate the idea and scrap it altogether. Which of course is okay as long as your getting some ideas that work and you will use them.
You Can Change Them
Sometimes I don’t love the way the title is worded or I decide I want to take the topic in a different direction and will go back and make edits to my original idea. The important part is I have something to start with and an idea for a story.
You Can Always Go Back
This is important. When I’m ready to write or have a few minutes I go to one of the titles I’ve written and get to skip the step of staring at a blank screen or piece of paper. The title helps get my brain flowing and ready to start writing.
I’ve been learning as I go on my writing journey and I have found this works the best for coming up with new ideas and is also a good tool for inspiration and getting the creative juices flowing.
