As a creative writer, just about anything can inspire me. I get some of my best ideas for short stories while I’m sitting outside drinking my coffee and staring at the sky.

As a freelance writer, getting ideas can be a little more difficult.

Whether it’s inspiration for an article for my own ezine or this week’s newsletter column for a corporate client, getting inspired to write non-fiction can be tough sometimes.

When I’m stuck, here are some of the things I try:

1. Re-read stuff I’ve already written. Sometimes I can find a new angle in something old.

2. Surf the web for related topics that might spark an idea.

3. Read something entirely unrelated.

4. Make a list. Sometimes one thought leads to another…

5. Browse stock photography. (I like http://www.sxc.hu.)

So, freelance writers, where do your ideas come from? What do you do when you’re stuck?