I usually blog five or six times a week here at Redland City Living, and people often ask me where I get my ideas from, and do I ever worry that I will run out?
Fortunately I’ve been writing for long enough to know that I will NEVER run out of ideas!
But, there are times when inspiration does seem to have gone AWOL. Here are just some of the ways that I entice it back:
Read the Paper
Anything from new research to an intriguing classified advertisement can get those creative juices flowing! Look for a snippet that you could develop into a full blown article idea. (The newspaper at right inspired this story on my blog, about the fact that I could count two accused murderers in my circle of acquaintances!)
Along the same lines, have a notepad and pen at your side when you watch the news, and jot down any ideas that come to you as you watch the top stories.
Tune in to the Radio
In the same vein – you’ll notice that radio, TV and print “borrow” story ideas from each other all the time.
Listen
What have you been chatting about with your friends and family lately? Listen to what they are concerned about, or what is really ticking them off. Or, sit in a coffee shop and eavesdrop!
Events
Any function or event you attend could inspire a blog post, complete with photos. What was done well? What didn’t work? What did people wear? What was the food like? What did the guest speaker talk about? Any of these questions could be easily developed into a post.
Look at the Calendar
What anniversaries or events could you write about? Check out the Health Events calendar on your state’s health website. (Here’s the one I use, produced by Queensland Health.)
The People You Know
It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know! A friend sings in a band, your neighbour enters and wins competitions all the time, a work colleague volunteers with the Disabled Surfers Association. Chat to them and then share their story on your blog (ask their permission first though!).
Comments
When visiting other people’s blogs, you will occasionally find yourself typing a great big long comment. Save it and turn it into a post for your own blog!
Daydream
Sometimes it’s good to get away from the computer. Give yourself permission to daydream! Sitting outside in the sunshine with a notepad and pen and just letting your mind wander can be a great way to let ideas find you – write them down and keep the list so you’re never short of ideas again!
Those are all great ideas, although I usually avoid watching the news or reading the paper. I’m shallow. Ahem. I just go with the link up topics or pull garbage out of my arse because I’m classy like that.
No because you’re clever like that!
I’m just amazed you can blog 5-6 times a week! Where do you find the time???
Lydia, I see it as part of my business so it’s part of my working life. Have I mentioned I love what I do?!
Janet, your comment last week on my blog inspired me to write a blog post this week so comments from readers is a great way to be inspired to write a blog post. This is a great post that I will come back to when I need post ideas. Hope you are having a great week.
Too true! And glad I could help 😉
Great tips and tricks Janet. The paper is a really good one.
It’s a goldmine!
You are amazing that you blog so often and keep those ideas coming! I started out blogging every single day and sometimes more than once a day! It has dwindled quite significantly now – particularly since I started photography studies and of course the big picket fence project! Great ideas here Janet. As I often have bloggy brain freeze, I will draw on your ideas in times of need!!
Happy to be of service Min :-). You have to remember too that for me, this is part of my business (one that doesn’t pay very much at present but I’m thinking long term!)
I really like your point about daydreaming. I often find that I’m inspired by things I’ve seen or heard, but I never give myself enough time to just ‘sit with’ the idea and let it become blog-worthy. It’s so important to just do ‘nothing’ occasionally – but such a rare privilege.
I know, it’s easy to feel like it’s just “wasting time” but it’s NOT!
I don’t have problem generating blogging ideas. But then, I don’t blog several times a wk. and I blog in particular subject areas. I have ideas floating in my head and seize them when I have enough inspiration to write like mad for a few hrs., then blog with pics.
I have times like that too Jean!
Great ideas Janet, I am in awe of how often you post and they are always a good read – keep up the awesome work xx
Thanks Em, appreciate the compliment! And also, remember I don’t have little ones underfoot 😉
I liked that you said you will ‘never run out of ideas’. That is reassuring as I often wonder if I will run out of things to share. Thanks for your inspirational tips. Cheers, Alison #FYBF
LOL I’ve been writing for over 15 years so it’s a case of I really do know from experience!
Good tips Janet – I think I’m going to start blogging more in a ‘newsy’ way. I feel I’m a bit stuck in thinking of things in a ‘yin yang’ way. Well done to blog so much.
Great tips here. I’m like you … I find there are ideas everywhere. Too many ideas, too little time. I’d write all day if I had the chance. Love the blog. I’d read all day if I had the chance too! LOL.
YES! I would too Bronnie!!!!
Awesome tips! I will be putting some of these into practice! Thanks for the inspiration!
I look forward to reading your blog posts 🙂
Great ideas Janet, good on you for posting so regularly!
What can I say, forget verbal diarrhea, I have writer’s diarrhea!