Photo By: ▲ lewis chaplin

No matter how long I write, I have 3 techniques I use which will always remain consistent.

• I write by hand;
• I keep an idea book; and
• I gather inspiration where I can find it, by reading.

Physically writing is therapeutic and it can spark inspiration on it’s own. I couldn’t live without a pen and notebook. Then there is my little idea book. It’s no bigger than a pocket notepad but it offers me refuge when I can’t get an idea for an article out of my head.

However, gathering inspiration can be a little tricky. See, I love to read. I read articles by other writers, I scan through interesting magazines, and I read the news through my feedreader. Using these sources, I usually come up with a good idea or two that I can toss down in my idea book for use at a later date. For really good ideas that can only be remembered by pieces of an article, I use Evernote to catch a quote and link for reference at a later date.

While I’d like to think I’m not odd and everyone is doing it, that’s not true. Some people may use one of my techniques, or two, but every blogger is different. There is no one way to write. Although there are many ways to formulate the same outcome.

You have my list of 3 but here are 3 more ideas that might suit your needs:

• Brainstorm. Everyone has either seen or drawn one of those idea graphs. A middle circle and ideas that stem from it. The ideas keep going until one particular idea stands out.

  While you might only generate 1 unique idea from a brainstorming session, you could potentially walk away with even more. It forces you to think, yet it also allows enough freedom for you to consider any idea on a whim. No idea is a bad one when you’re graphing your thoughts.

• Tap into your writing friendships. After all, what you may overlook can also be obvious to others. Bounce a couple dieas off a writing buddy. Since they also know a bit of the trade, they can offer some valuable, informed, advice. Best of all, you can help them out when they’re looking to bounce a couple ideas off you.
• Bookmark it. While this borders on my Evernote consideration, it does leave the boundaries a bit. You’re not quoting with a resource link to think about. Keep a separate folder for things you can look at later. When you’re running low on ideas, you can tap that folder for some fresh perspective.

  This is especially helpful when you might feel a little blocked. Reread that article that inspired you earlier and find that gem in the rough. Maybe it was something the article missed, or maybe it’s your own personal take on the point of view they used. Make your own ideas, just don’t forget to offer a link back to those that deserve it.

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