I can't tell you how many times I've sat down at the computer and have had no idea what to write. I'm almost positive it happens to every person who writes consistently, a blogger or someone with a weekly column. We sit down and wonder, "what can I contribute to the world today through my writing?" and find, more often than not, minds come up blank. So, I've decided to compile a list of things to write about for when this kind of thing happens. Cheers, hopefully this helps all of my fellow weekly writers who, like me, have no idea what the hell they're doing.
1. Eavesdrop.
This may sound very odd, but it was a trick I learned in a video production class when we were brainstorming for potential short films to create. Try going to a nearby coffee shop with a notepad and just listen. Perhaps you notice a couple of girls talking about how someone Ghosted one of them - you could write about Ghosting. Or maybe you notice a dog barking excessively, and you decide to write something about how much you love dogs or hate them, and add to that general conversation.
2. Think about your own quirks.
Depending on what type of publisher you write for, it may or may not be beneficial to put yourself out there a bit more. Think about the things you do that are a little bit odd, and give advice. Or ask for it. Or talk about the process of enjoying this particular quirk. For example, I use circus events as a workout. I'm not particularly good at it, not am I an expert, but it's something a bit unusual that I enjoy doing, a community that I'm tentative to join, but nevertheless enjoy partaking in the activities.
3. Try free writing.
Free writing is the method in which you choose a random topic, like "cats" or "chicken nuggets" and just write. I find that 8 minutes is a good enough time for me, enough that I get all my ideas out about the topic at hand and even more as I just let my thoughts flow. The biggest problem with writer's block is that you're putting so much pressure on yourself to think of something and think of something good, that you don't allow yourself to think at all. If you let your thoughts flow, uninterrupted and unadulterated, you'll be surprised at what you find.
4. The classic Facebook: "What's on your mind?"
Maybe you're usually really good at coming up with topics and you're on your game (bless your heart). However, you can't this week because something heavy is on your mind. Maybe you and a significant other had a fight or a family member is sick. A lot of writing is based off of experience - try writing about the one that may be weighing on you. While it's ultimately up to you whether you decide to publish or not, but if you do, you'll be surprised at the amount people are willing to help. Maybe you'll even stumble on a community that would like to help.
5. Set a timer.
Set a timer for a minute and write down as many topics as you can think of off of the top of your head. Don't stop your pen, the idea is quantity over quality. That's how I've found a lot of my personal gems.
6. Then vs. now.
If you're writing, you obviously have something to write about. Sometimes, the best things to write about are pure reflection. Pick an aspect of your life that may have changed drastically, and note how it is different now as opposed to what it once was. There's the classic single vs. being in a relationship, or the more subtle ones like falling out of love with something you once truly enjoyed or vice versa.
7. Google it
This might be the easiest solution of them all - just google it. Google an important event, add your own spin on it. How you feel about something huge that may have happened. Or maybe just google a word of the day, color of the day, etc., to get some inspiration. There are no wrong ways!
Writing isn't easy, and I give serious props to everyone out there who is trying to do it consistently. Just let it be known that it's okay to run out of ideas, and it happens to everyone. Just look at me. I've written about running out of ideas for the third time now. And I still have something to say about it.
Happy writing!
