This is The Only Writing Advice That's Never Failed Me

I've been doing it for 13 years

Hi writing family. Kelly Eden here.

Our topic today is a response to a question from one of our community members.

I’m always happy to answer questions. If you have one, please feel free to ask: inspiredwriter.kelly@gmail.com. There are no stupid questions.

P.S. If you want to be part of a dynamic writing community, a new intake is starting in November. Get in quick as numbers are limited. I’d love to get to know you and see your writing flourish! Applications close Oct 25.

---

Where Do You Get Ideas to Write About?

When I first started writing as a job 13 years ago, I was terrified I would run out of ideas. I’d heard of writers’ block and thought it was just a matter of time before my brain froze up.

It was a real fear! No ideas, no money, right?

So, I spent hours brainstorming ideas to write about, making lists, and recording every single small idea so that when the “brain freeze” moment came, I’d be prepared.

13 years later, it’s never happened.

I have had months where my writing slowed down and I needed a break.

I’ve had weeks were I’ve been too tired to write.

But I have never run out of ideas.

Train Your Brain to Be an Ideas Machine

I don’t see myself as any more creative than anyone else.

What I did back then, was to train my brain to collect ideas and notice them. I trained myself to be tuned into ideas.

How do you do that?

It’s actually really basic: you record them, without assessing them.

Record every single idea, title, piece of interesting research or discussion that you hear.

Don’t judge it. Don’t think “will this be good to write about?” You can work that out later.

• Some writers sit down every day and spend 30 minutes coming up with 10 new ideas. That’s one way to get started with training your brain.

• Or you may find it better to record them through-out the day, like I do, but do what works for you.

But where do you get those ideas?

• Read books, articles, and headlines. Listen to podcasts, notice themes and topics in movies and television shows. Pay attention to the world around you. Fill your brain with ideas!

• Explore new fields and dive deep into your own field. I love to hear about philosophy, economics and other fields outside my expertise, as well as ones within it.

• Read the comments sections of your own or other people’s stories. Reader’s comments help us see what else could or needs to be covered by a topic.

• Look to the news, social media, and real-life interactions and discussions for “problems” your readers might have. Can you offer a solution or research one?

• What problems did you have two years ago or ten years ago? Can you write about those and how you would solve them now?

Another way I come up with ideas is bouncing off other writers. Talking about writing with others is incredibly stimulating.

Feel free to send me those questions!

Have a great week,

Kelly