Do you ever feel like you don’t have any ideas? It can be frustrating when this happens. But don’t worry – we’ve all been there! In this blog post, I will share eleven ways to get ideas when you don’t feel like writing.
1) Get reading.
Reading can help jumpstart your brain and get the creative juices flowing. Try reading a book in a genre you don’t usually read. This can help open your mind to new possibilities and give you fresh ideas.
2) Free-writing.
Practice free-writing: Set a timer for five minutes and just write whatever comes to mind, without stopping to edit or judge what you’re writing. This can help clear your mind.
3) Get outside!
Take a walk: Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to change your scenery. Go for a walk outside and take in the fresh air. Who knows, you might even come up with an idea for your next story while you’re out exploring!
4) Mindmap.
Mindmap with a friend: this can be a great way to come up with new ideas and get feedback on those ideas from someone else. If you’re feeling stuck, try meeting up with a friend or colleague and bouncing some ideas off of them. You may be surprised at what they come up with!
5) Research.
Do some research: If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try doing some research. This can be anything from reading articles to watching documentaries. By learning more about your topic, you may be able to come up with new and interesting ways to approach it.
6) Journal.
Keep a journal. Write down any thoughts or ideas that come to mind, no matter how random they may seem. You never know when something you jotted down will turn into a great piece of writing.
7) Talk to others.
Talk to people: One of the best ways to get ideas is to talk to others. Ask them about their thoughts on your genre, or see if they have any suggestions for what you could write about. You may be surprised at how much inspiration you can find just by having a conversation with someone else.
8) Get prepped.
Get organised: This may seem like an odd way to get ideas, but sometimes getting your thoughts down in a more organised way can help you see things from a different perspective. Try making a list of potential topics or chatting through ideas with a friend. This can help you identify gaps in your thinking and come up with new angles to approach your topic.
9) Rest.
Take a break: If you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours trying to come up with something to write about, it may be time to take a break. Get up and stretch, or take a quick walk around the block. Taking time away from your work can help refresh your mind and give you new ideas.
10) Keep a record.
Keep a list of ideas: One way to ensure you always have something to write about is to keep a list of ideas handy. Whenever you think of a new novel idea, add it to your list. That way, when you’re feeling uninspired, you can always refer back to your list for some ideas.
11) Ask what your ideal reader wants.
Ask your readers: If you’re struggling to develop a new idea, why not ask your readers what they want to read? Send out a survey or poll on social media and see what topics your audience is most interested in. Not sure who your ideal reader is? Check out this blog post!
By taking some time away from thinking about writing, you may find that the ideas start flowing more easily. Try out different methods and see which ones work best for you. And who knows? Maybe one of these methods will even become your go-to method for generating new ideas. Do you have any other techniques for getting ideas when you don’t feel like writing? Let me know here!
Want to read something similar? Check these blog posts out:
The Power of Taking Responsibility for Your Writing Journey
5 Books on Writing That Will Improve Your Craft
