by Annette Young
Sitting in front of your computer with little idea as to what to write about is no fun. If this happens to you, then you are not alone. Sadly, creative ideas do not always respond to the demand of the blank screen anymore than they did with the blank sheet of paper. Of course, a little planning and preparation before your allocated writing time will pay dividends.
If you are really stuck and your mind is in a complete fog, it can pay to approach idea generation from a different angle. I’ve long said that creative ideas come from all around you. Let’s be realistic, the moment you step outside the door, you are bombarded with potential ideas from all types of sources. A conversation with a neighbour may spark off an idea and act as a trigger for a great idea. Open your eyes and mind as you walk through your local town centre, become aware of what is around you. Look up at the buildings around you. Notice a bricked up window – think about why it might have been done. Or, notice little alleyways or old doorways that incite interest. Go walking in the countryside and become more receptive to the natural scenery which can act like a salve to a fraught mind. Ideas really are there waiting for you to spot them.
But, sometimes, you have to shake it up a bit. If you think outside the box, you can find other ways to increase your creative mojo.
Whether you love it or hate it, Facebook is filled with ideas. Not only can you see interactions between family and friends but also, read so many different posts, and then there are the memes and photos which should spark off lots of great ideas.
Online Forums
If you have signed up for any online forums, you’ll know that people don’t always stick to the main subject. Lots of conversations and ideas can develop from just reading about the concerns of others. Often, current issues pop up time and time again, but there’s often a whole lot more too. Even if these do not meet your current needs, write down some topics and you have a collection of potential ideas for later.
Amazon
I’m including Amazon here as fodder for ideas but it could be any online bookshop. All you need to do is browse through and allow your brain to take any idea to the next level. You are not copying of course, it’s just a starting point. The more you can develop, tweak and adapt it the better. Once your mind has a grasp of the concept, give it free rein.
There are so many ways in which to create wonderful creative ideas but, if you are really stuck, try the above and see where these ideas take you.
But why wait? You can be actively inspired if you join Write, Learn and Publish.
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