Originally posted on Renee Writes:
Today I have guest blogger, Richard Nolan, returning to share with us what to do if we're out of writing ideas!
- Minolta DSC
New writers fail to understand one thing that writing is hard. It is not an easy task at all. Not sure where to start for your next writing project? You are at a loss for inspiration and ideas. Well, it happens to all at one or another point. You are going smoothly, producing creative high-quality and unique content, and then, instantly, you run out of new ideas. You search high and low for new thoughts and inspiration, but you are stuck. It is all for naught. As a matter of fact, you are blocked.
Whatever the business you are dealing with, there is always a dire need for creativity. Maybe it is how you offer your blogs and posts to your readers, or maybe it is the blogs and posts itself. Either way, you are in need of help to get out of that creative rut.
Let me tell you some secrets of getting out of such a situation.
First, understand that you’re not actually ‘out’ of ideas
Sometimes, when you stuck, you feel that you will always remain stuck. It is not the case. You must understand that your brain is actually an endless source of ideas. In fact, you’re continuously feeding input into your brain, constantly giving it stimulation and subsequently new information. You practically can’t avoid it. You must take a deep breath and know that this rut isn’t permanent.
Get rid of your stress and tension
Sometimes, anxiety, tension, and stress can get in the way of creativity. When you are already stressed, your stress becomes double due to the lack of new ideas, making the block even stronger. Now it’s the time to reduce your stress and feel relaxed. You can do some meditation like yoga or exercise. You can go for a short jog or if you like to play a game, just play that game. It takes only a little amount of tension relief before you instantly get the old creative juices flowing again.
Feeding your brain
One of the most important things you can do to keep your own creative ideas flowing is to provide your brain with some new, beautiful and substantial input. In this respect, you can study books of great authors, watch TV, travel, go outside and sit in the garden to listen to the chirp of the birds. Also, you can consult and talk to your close friends about different topics to get new ideas. An imaginary friend can help you a lot in this context. Just try to feed your brain with the latest and unique information.
Take baby steps
It is not always necessary to write the entire blog post or an article in a single sitting. You should take baby steps. You must write the content through small dots and move forward. This way, you will get out of the block.
Use a different writing tool
Stuck in a creative rut! You can switch from Microsoft Office to Google Doc, or you can even write directly into the Wordpress. You can also change the font or even the color of the font. Or one of my favorite options, you can increase your font size. Apparently, it seems awkward and silly, but it works. Such small things can make the writing an interesting thing for you once again.
Goof around on LinkedIn, Facebook, or G Plus
People consider the social media as a great time suck, but if you are out of thoughts, social media is a rich mine full of precious ideas. Just browse through the different social media platforms, check new posts, talk to your links and enjoy yourself. Over and above this, absorb what others are talking about. You will surely find the latest ideas. But don’t sit for hours in front of social media networks; just half an hour is enough to crack the things.
Start in the middle
All of us know that a fantastic introduction always attracts the readers to read the rest of the article. A wonderful introduction is integral for a great post. But sometimes, trying to write a perfect intro can restrain your writing process. In such a situation, you can leave the 'opening' for later and just get going with your blog. You can write the intro when you feel comfortable.
Reread your fantastic posts
Feeling down? You’ve lost your mojo, and you might be unsure about your writing skills. All bloggers face such situations at one point or another. Reread the best posts you have written in the past. Go back and read the post word by word. You see how good you are? The talent doesn’t evade; it is still inside you. You just have to refresh your thoughts, and you’ll soon get dozens of new ideas. At a time, you just need a little reminder.
Look at your competitors
You are stuck, well, it's fine, but you can at least take some time to review your competition. What they are writing and what are their ideas. I’m not saying that you should steal ideas from your competitors, but you can create your own ideas by going through the content of your competitors. High chances are you will find something new, intriguing and interesting.
Watch movies to get new ideas
Writers often get fresh ideas from movies. You can create a blog post on the story of a film. Even a great dialogue can provide you with a base to write your content. Other times you can get inspiration from the fantastic camera work, the way that a beautiful face is framed and the charisma of the mesmerizing landscape captured on film.
Bottom line, it is natural to get stuck, and it happens to all the writers. Stay positive, and you’ll get rid of this situation. You can try the tips mentioned above to get new writing ideas. Remember, only you can get you out of this block, so follow these methods to fetch new ideas.
About the Author
Richard Nolan is a blogger and a private tutor, sharing his experience in spheres of blogging, self-growth, and psychology. Richard writes for numerous blogs and gives useful tips for bloggers, students, and teachers. At the present moment Richard works as a general editor for ProWritersCenter. Learn more about Richard on Facebook and Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment