The Secret to Never Running Out of Writing Ideas

You’re probably familiar with this scenario.

You sit down to write something, and your mind goes blank.

You can’t think of what to write or how to even get started, and then you start worrying that you have nothing left to give and give up.

But the problem isn’t really that you’ve run out of ideas. Instead, you haven’t learned how to tap into the wellspring of inspiration that never stops flowing if you know where to look for it.

Choose two or three topics

One of my favourite ways to ensure I’ll never run out of writing ideas is by choosing two or three topics I want to write about each week.

You don’t need to plan out a month’s worth of posts ahead of time. It can take a little while for readership numbers and your personal energy level to rise, so you should start with just a few topics you love.

For example:

Write down a list of ideas associated with those topics

Make a list of topics you would like to write about.

Go with as many ideas as possible and remember it doesn’t matter if they are fully developed or not; just have a general idea.

The more ideas you create the better prepared you will be when inspiration runs low.

Keeping a list handy is also helpful for days when there is just not enough time on your hands to find an idea within hours after waking up, which is bound to happen sooner or later for any writer, no matter how talented.

Develop one idea into an article

One way to develop a writing idea is to start with a simple question, such as:

• How can I add an element of surprise? or
• What are some ways I can increase my average word count per day?

Once you’ve identified your question, take time to write down responses that pop into your head each day. Keep them in mind and bring them up later. You never know when you’ll need one.

As you start brainstorming ideas, remember that sometimes it takes practice, just like anything else.

If you have writer’s block and feel like all ideas have dried up, consider working on your projects rather than waiting for inspiration.

Your skills will improve naturally over time as long as you prioritise them.

Which books do you read?

There is no better way to come up with new ideas for your article than by summarizing the key lessons from books you’ve read.

It not only helps refresh our own minds and reminds us what they were like when we first started reading, but this process might just lead to creating new ideas.

If you are struggling, take a break. Then go back and continue where you left off

Many writers struggle with writer’s block at some point. It could be because they don’t feel inspired or simply can’t think of anything creative.

Most people stare at a blank screen and spend time twiddling their thumbs in frustration.

If you are ever stuck, try taking a short break and returning to what you were doing.

Sometimes, taking a break from an activity makes us more productive and gives us new inspiration that we didn’t have before.

Final Thoughts

As a writer, it can be challenging to constantly come up with new ideas and start writing. And yet, that’s the most important thing you need to do to keep your audience engaged.

We often fall into the trap of thinking there will never be another idea for our next book or article.

The truth is it comes from the mundane, the ordinary, things you don’t notice until someone else points them out.

It comes from living life and paying attention, looking for connections between everyday events and turning them into something more meaningful and beautiful.

Once you learn how to open your eyes wider, where other people see distractions, obstacles or boredom — you’ll find yourself staring at inspiration.