One of the things that panics writers the most is the thought that one day they might run out of article ideas. When you write day after day, you might worry that you'll stare at that keyboard and simply have nothing to say. Fear not, because there are ways you can always have a steady stream of ideas for new articles, ebooks, and blog posts.
Keep a Notebook
Ideas can strike at the oddest times, but if you keep a notebook handy and with you at all times, you'll never have to go back and remember them later. If you see someone on the street, watch something on TV, or just overhear something interesting, immediately stop and jot it down. Doing this act will free your mind (since you won't have to commit ideas to memory) and allow you to easily capture new thoughts.
Set Up Google Alerts
There is nothing like getting a steady stream of ideas delivered right to your inbox. With Google Alerts, you can request that all website references, news items, and blog posts related to a specific word or phrase come directly to your email.
All you have to do is open up the alert, check through the stories and articles listed, and click on the ones you find of interest. This can help you come up with your own ideas more easily.
Look for the Twist in News Stories
Instead of just regurgitating the news, find a new angle to talk about. When you hear of a news story, immediately start viewing it from the different parties involved: the victim, bystander, perpetrator, reporter, and legal professional. Look at the different ways a certain news item can be taken, and this will help give you an angle that hasn't been covered yet.
Pretend to Give Advice to Celebrities
Celebrities today have the details of their lives displayed all over the television and Internet. Why not take advantage of this and offer advice on your favorite celebrity's latest arrest, rehab stint, or romance. By offering advice based on their lives, you are also finding a new way to report celebrity news. You'll also have the chance to generalize their story so it appeals to more people.
Eavesdrop
If you're really stuck for story ideas, sit in a coffee shop or restaurant and eavesdrop on the conversations around you. Listen to the types of problems people discuss, the news items they find interesting, and the things that are important to them. You'll definitely walk away with new ideas when you listen to the conversations of others.
Along that same note, pay attention to the things your friends and family talk about. People sometimes have a tendency to block out opinions that differ from their own, but writers don't have that luxury. Listening to what others have to say is an important part of gaining new perspective and ideas.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
Join the Conversation