Four Techniques for Getting Inspired to Write
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Although I only post to this blog once a week on writing-related topics, I was baffled on what I was going to write about today.
I figured that I couldn’t be the only person who has had problems coming up with a topic to write about, so this post is dedicated to helping others find inspiration.
Four Ways to Get Inspired to Write
- Read about what you want to write about. One of the easiest ways to get inspired to write is to read what others have written on the topic. If you’re writing about writing, read blogs/articles/books about writing. Do a Google Blog Search to see what’s been written, and sort your details for relevance or when it was posted.
- Find pictures then write to match the image. I stumbled upon a cool site, a Flickr Related Tag Browser, that searches Flickr’s database and offers suggestions for related images based on tags. I found the image above by searching for “books.” Although my post isn’t about books or reading, it is what I used to get inspired to write.
- Don’t write. If you don’t quite know where to start your writing, get inspired by not writing at all. Watch television, take a walk outside, play a video game, or just clear your mind by meditating. Some of the greatest ideas for writing come when you’re not writing.
- Ask friends for input. On my Twitter account, I asked my followers to tell me what they do to get inspired. A big thank you to Patricia Mayo, Jttaylor, David Rosam, Melanie Nathan, and Adam Snider for providing me with their inspirational tips.
Many of the above techniques will work for helping you through any stage of the writing process. Whether your stuck for an ending, for a climax, or even for what topic to write about, use a combination of any of the above and get inspired to write now.
And if you have any inspirations of your own, please share them below.
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Tags: ASK, Copywriting, Google, Marketing, Reno, Search & Marketing, SEO
Posted in Copywriting, Search & Marketing
Good post, Michelle. I’m glad I could help.
That Flickr tag search tool is really cool. Thanks for posting it.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:11 pmNice tips Michelle. I find that popping in a video or watching TV always works for me because it’s the everyday things you see around you that make for great topics. Jane Copland, from SEOmoz, is very skilled when it comes to integrating the world of search with stuff she sees in the real world. One of her best posts was inspired by a simple ride she took on a public bus!
I would like to add to the list:
Keep track (via “note to self” audio, or by keeping a running text document) of ideas and inspirations that come to you. This way, when you’re stuck, you’ll have a constant supply of fresh material. I’ve recently started to do this (and by recently I mean 3 days ago lol) and it’s working out well. It feels good actually…. because sometimes I feel like my head will explode from having too much content in my brain
February 15th, 2008 at 2:17 pmAdam: Thank you again for your input. I’m glad you like that Flickr tag search tool. It’s definitely fun to play around with.
Melanie: I love your idea of jotting down ideas when they pop into your head. One of my five resolutions for writers is to keep a journal or tape recorder handy at all times.
February 18th, 2008 at 10:32 amAh, I cannot recommend Jott enough (www.jott.com). Leave a voicemail (when driving or already in bed) to yourself when you have an idea, it is there in email when you need it. I use it constantly for home and writing.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:14 am