A lot of times, even great writers run out of ideas to write. You're not inspired, you're not making clever connections, or you're not "in the zone." But that deadline keeps approaching for that article. What do you do? Here are 6 tips for writing an article when you have no idea what to write.
1. Make a listicle.
The problem with crunching in writing at the last second is that they seem unorganized. Make a listicle so that it seems like you've really planned it out to find that solid number of entries in your writing. But don't choose a number that sounds random. "5" or "10" sound too general or made-up, so pick a number like "6," "7," or "8" so that the number sounds extremely specific and less "clickbait-y."
2. Find an image first.
A lot of times, you'll write in a great flow, but you can't find a picture. Solve your problem by finding a general area to write and a good, usable image so that you don't have to dig around later.
3. Find something offbeat to write.
Your lack of ideas might actually be a good starting point. Writing about something you know is important and easier than trying to make something up. So, instead of wasting time trying to think of a topic, you could simply start by writing something about yourself (like if you can't think of anything to write, write about not having anything to write, but make it sound like advice.) Everything hasn't been written yet.
4. Start thinking of entries to your listicle.
These might be obvious, but just write them anyway. It'll make your article seem a bit more thorough. You could even refer to the fact that these entries are obvious by saying something like "And obviously..." This also makes your article more self-aware and gives it a unique tone and narrative voice, which once again, makes your article sound planned.
5. Give it an intriguing title which sounds really directly useful or relevant.
The reader will want to click on something that will be of instant help (like trouble with last-second assignments) so make sure your article is the same. Make sure the title sounds really direct and gives the reader something they might need.
6. Make sure you fill up and go above the word count.
Meeting the word count exactly makes it seem like you dragged out points to try to meet it. Instead, drag out the article a bit so that its not exactly 500 words. This makes it seem like you had a lot to say, even though you are topic-less, and that your article has great substance.
7. If you don't have enough entries in your listicle, end it with an open and vague piece of advice.
This will make the article end on a reflective note. But most importantly, it'll ensure you don't have to change the number of entries to a number like "5" which sounds arbitrary. By keeping it a "7," you make each point seem relevant. But make sure that the last point seems extremely reflective so that it leaves the reader with something to chew on as they finish reading your listicle. Ending with deep notes is always important no matter where or what you write.
