What to write about when you don't know what to write about
SHAKING THE TREE #64
Er?
Well …
Bugger.
We've all been there.
You sit down to write, and your mind draws a blank.
The dreaded writer's block strikes, and you feel like you have nothing to say.
Every writer faces this challenge at some point.
Been there. Done that.
At times for me it’s gone on for MONTHS … phew. But let’s not dwell on that, eh? This article is about solutions and about ways to overcome the obstacle. I’m sharing the point that I’ve struggled with blank page syndrome to let you know you’re not alone.
And when this sort of thing happens, while it might seem like the end of the world when it happens, it’s not.
You can get through this.
It simply takes a little effort and a willingness on your part to do something a little different—even if that means writing about things you wouldn’t normally think about.
When you’re stuck like this, rather than giving up and doing nothing (which isn’t a good idea because doing nothing only serves to increase your feelings of woe) the key is to find inspiration and reignite your creativity.
But where? And how?
In this article, I'm going to share a few strategies to help you discover exciting topics to write about when you feel stuck.
Everyday observations
As dull as this might sound, one of the richest sources of creative inspiration is your everyday life.
So, jot down a few notes about your regular, daily routines: the motions you go through when you’re brushing your teeth; the sensations of the water cascading off your shoulders when you’re taking a shower; the clanking noises when you’re making tea, or coffee, or toast.
By paying attention to the minutiae of your surroundings, by noting the expressions and details of the people you interact with, and by noticing the tiniest and the seemingly most mundane of details and events, a whole new world opens up to you.
If you take the time to look, you'll be surprised how these small observations can lead to intriguing and relatable content.
Whether it's a funny encounter at a coffee shop or a profound thought during a morning walk, your experiences and the small things you notice can be valuable triggers that inspire your writing.
Personal experiences
Everyone’s life journey is a treasure trove of stories and insights waiting to be explored, discovered, and shared.
Your life is no different.
So take time to think about your personal experiences: a recollection from when you were 5 years old.
Something odd or memorable that happened at the first wedding party you attended.
The death of a cherished pet. Seeing your first high school crush 25 years after they’d broken your teenage heart. The thrill of driving that old car you bought with money you’d earned.
Whether they're significant life events or simple, everyday memories, challenges. Readers often connect with writers who are open about their struggles and triumphs, so be authentic and share your unique perspective.
Try something new
Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer's block is to acquire new knowledge or new experiences. So why not delve into a subject you're curious about, and share your discoveries with your readers?
You could try learning a new language. Or experiment with a handful of new recipes.
Or you could join a gym, or take up yoga, or tai chi.
What did you learn? What did you feel? Who did you meet? What surprised you?
Learning anything new not only provides you with fresh ideas but also makes you a more informed writer. Remember, knowledge and experience breed curiosity and creativity.
Review some of your past work
Looking back at your previous writings can provide inspiration for new content.
What would you change? What sounds crap when you re-read it?
Can you believe you wrote it?
When you look back at your old stuff there’s no telling what you might come across. You might find unfinished drafts, or bits of ideas you set aside, or there might be themes you couldn’t expand on when you first wrote them but that might come alive now with fresh eyes.
The point is that revisiting your old work can often spark a dozen or more ideas for new articles, new essays, and new posts. Besides, looking back at your old stuff is a great way to see how you've evolved as a writer.
Use prompts and writing exercises
Writing prompts are designed to jumpstart your creativity.
You can find them in books, websites, or even apps specifically designed for writers.
Prompts and writing exercises can serve as a springboard for your imagination and help you break free from the mental roadblock.
A few ideas to consider:
Write about the process of making soup from scratch.
Describe your childhood bedroom.
Write a letter to a loved one telling them how proud you are of them.
Describe the sound of a pencil sharpener in use.
Share a cherished memory of a concert you attended that moved you to tears.
Write a 50 word sentence without using the words ‘the’ , ‘at’, ‘in’ or ‘there’.
Write a short story using only words of three letters or more from the word BLOCKBUSTER.
Current events, news, and trends
Staying informed about current events, trends, and industry news can be a lifesaver.
If you’re stuck, try writing about what's happening now in the news. Share your thoughts, insights, and opinions on the latest happenings in your field of interest.
Ask for input
Sometimes when you’re stuck, the simple act of engaging with your audience or peers can jumpstart your thinking.
Ask for input on what your readers like to read about or what any questions they might have about your background, life story, and experience.
Tailoring your content to your readers' interests ensures that you provide value to your audience while also finding inspiration for your next piece.
Explore different mediums and collaborate with other writers
Sometimes, a change of medium can provide a fresh perspective.
If you usually write articles, consider creating infographics, videos, or podcasts.
Often, all it might take to revitalize your creativity and expand your content horizons is the simple act of exploring different formats.
Collaboration can be another powerful source of inspiration.
Consider teaming up with fellow writers, experts, or even your readers to co-create a range of new content. Discussing your ideas and hearing other people’s ideas can have you seeing things from differing perspectives that working alone would never have sparked.
So, as you can see, writer's block is a common hurdle, but with the right strategies, you can overcome it.
The key is to look around you, tap into your personal experiences, acquire new knowledge, and engage with your audience.
Remember that inspiration can come from unexpected places, so stay open to the world around you.
The next time you find yourself with nothing to write about, use these tips to reignite your creativity and get those words flowing once again.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Don’t let not being qualified stop you from trying.