Recently, I have had a lot of people asking me how I come up with fresh ideas for new posts. So, here’s what works for me and hopefully, will be just as useful for you!
The short answer is that the more you write, the easier it gets. For example, I used to publish blog posts 5 or 6 times a month and had to think long and hard, before finding a topic. The posts would then often take me an hour to write. Today, after publishing over 70 posts in the past 70 days, I have another 100 or so post ideas, just waiting to be written.
The more you do it, the easier it gets
It seems counter intuitive, as you would imagine that the more ideas you write about, the fewer you would be left with. However, it appears that the process of getting ideas fleshed out, written down and commented on, actually produces lots of new, fresh topics for future posts. So, I publish a post and usually get ideas for several more.
I have read many experts over the years, who agree that we can all massively increase our levels of creativity in a particular area (like blogging), by deliberately using our creative skills in that area, on a regular basis. In other words, just as a muscle becomes stronger the more it gets exercised, our creativity becomes stronger the more it is exercised too. That is exactly what my experience has been.
I have also discovered that it is important (for me anyway), to set a specific time aside each day, to write the posts. So, although I capture ideas for blog posts all day long, I have found that the ideal time for me to write blog posts, is early morning. This means my posts are written before my working day begins. As a result, not only does blogging not get in the way of my work flow – It actually stimulates my creativity, for my work with clients during the day.
Do you have any tips or suggestions, which help your creative juices to flow?
Photo: Karin Dalziel
Agree set a time–for me if I don’t get something written by 9:00 a.m. it doesn’t happen that day.
I put on my favorite jazz piano CD –it works as a trigger for me–time to write. For me music with words, seems to muddle my thoughts.
http://www.kathycondons.blogspot.com
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Write when it’s fresh and don’t edit too much (if at all). It comes across better; and realizing that blog posts (by their nature) don’t need to be masterpieces will give you the confidence to write more often (as opposed to analyzing every single word).
Hmm, I should practice punctuation more.
By the way, LOVE the new look and header, mate – awesome work
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I agree that the more you do it, the easier it gets and also, writing everyday (preferably at the same time) can be useful.
I would also add that creativity tends to come in waves; a bit like the rhythms of nature I guess. So RIDE those waves of creativity and max out when they are around! I can write 10 posts on a good day, stack them up and then feel a little easier when the creativity is low (or my schedule is busy).
I rarely get writers block, but if I do, I find a great way to get fired up is to either read through comments on my site to see what people are asking (then answer that in a post) or I’ll pick up the nearest magazine, open it on a random page and allow myself to be inspired by something I read. From that I’ll find an angle on whatever I have read to write an article.
Oh, and never leave the house without a notebook and pencil – because inspiration will strike throughout the day !
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I like this post and you are sooo right.
I have a list as long as my arm of subjects to write on. And, yes, once you write them down or actually do the writing, more come along.
But you also need to make sure you stay on topic b/c those ideas can run away with us and we all need to stay on topic and niche
Agree Jim, the more I do the easier it gets. And that’s the same if I take a bit of a break from writing, it feels harder to get back into it again. So consistency is key for my motivation.
I also need to not think about it too much. Just get in down, give a quick edit et voila.
Oh and keep writing if you’re on a roll. I can knock a few posts out in a couple of hours if I really get going. Cherish those moments.
Loving the new design fella, good work.
Hi Gemma. I found the same things when I didn’t write, during my last holiday. I came back after being away for a week and it was a lot harder to “get going” again.
Thanks for the feedback!
I have an ideas notebook that is usually with me. If by chance I don’t have it, I have been known to send myself text messages.
Hi Stacey. I know lots of people who use the same method for capturing ideas.
I carry a small audio recorder with me – about the size of a packet of gum, but holds over 100 hours of recordings. I use the audio recorder method, as most of my ideas come when I am out walking, at the gym etc. Thanks for the feedback.
Definitely one of the things I know I need to work on… more frequent blog postings.
Do you make a conscious effort to vary the type of things you post or do you just post them as they come to you?
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