Writers thrive on ideas. I hope you've got more ideas than you could write in a lifetime. If you struggle to find ideas, this article will help. Over 30 years of writing, I've found that some ideas are made for you, while many other ideas are not.
Let's see how you can become a magnet for juicy ideas which are custom-made for you.
However, before we start, let's get one important, non-negotiable point out of the way: you need to decide WHY you're writing a project. Everything starts with your intention. You can combine your goals for a specific piece of writing, but you must have goals.
For example, let's say you want some ideas for a novel. What are your goals? Your goal may simply be to get published. That's an excellent goal. Or perhaps your goal's to have fun with it - it's a hobby. Also excellent.
With that out of the way, let's find some ideas.
1. Ideas are all around you - what intrigues you, and is easy for you to write?
If you're writing a novel, almost any news story or piece of gossip can provide a spark for your novel. However, keep the old adage "write what you know" in mind. A novel is a journey, and while you could write a novel set in 16th century Spain if you have no knowledge of Spanish history and have never been to Spain, the amount of research required could kill your inspiration.
Ideas may intrigue you, but they should be easy for you to write.
2. If you're excited, others will be excited too
An ideal for a writing project should excite you. If the idea doesn't excite you, it won't excite readers.
"Exciting" ideas can be thin on the ground if you're not writing. So take this tip to heart: writing primes the idea pump not just for your current project, but also for future projects.
You'll get more and better ideas when you write every day - you've alerted your subconscious mind, and exciting ideas will flow to you.
3. Trust yourself
Sometimes you'll get an exciting idea, but you won't know what to do with it. Trust yourself, and start writing. The "huh?!" feeling you get is an indication that this idea is deep: it will be easy to write, because it comes from who you are.
These ideas are sheer magic: go with the flow, and see what emerges.
4. The best ideas will stun you
Occasionally you'll get an amazing idea which stuns you, it's that good. Just as with the "huh?!" ideas, thank your lucky stars, and write the idea down at once.
5. Look for ideas which are bigger than you are
The best ideas force you to grow. Your 16th century Spain idea may be a great idea for you. If it is, you'll know it, and the amount of research won't faze you in the least.
Again, trust yourself. Sometimes a big, juicy idea is just right for you, because it will develop you as a writer, whether or not you achieve the intention you have for the project.
So there you have five tips which will help you to become a magnet for juicy ideas. Start writing!
Want more ideas? You get more ideas when you write more. You can become a inspired writer with Angela Booth's writing class, "Write More And Make More Money From Your Writing: Develop A Fast, Fun Productive Writing Process" This class is based on exclusive lessons she developed for her private coaching students to help them to write more, improve their writing, and to make more money writing.
Her ebook "Top 70 Writing Tips To Help You To Write More" shows you how to end procrastination for good and write more.
