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?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
Michele sent me over. Seems she’s UNPLUGGED. (That in itself might be a great topic!)
I’m still working on getting published so I’m keeping a stack of 3 x 5 notecards (check out my post on the Hipster PDA) with me and writing down weird word combinations to Google, hot topics at the grocery, trivia and who-knew-that from National Public Radio, and my favorite - find an exotic word in the dictionary that might spark an extraordianry article.
I can’t wait to read more on your blog. I’ll be back.
blessings,
julia
julia ward - a BLINDING heart - a writer’s blog
http://www.ablindingheart.com
Hi Julia,
Thanks for visiting! Good ideas you have. I do the dictionary thing too sometimes.
I’ll be sure to check out your blog.
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