Want to write an article or book, but are stuck for ideas? Here are a few practical ways to awaken that muse.
- Keep a writer's journal. A hardcover notebook will do nicely for keeping entries on a variety of topics including, but are not limited to: problems, daydreams, quotes, bits of conversations from "real life" or your characters, character sketches, anecdotes about you, your family and friends, jokes and quotes that caught your attention, names of books that you plan to read and have read, the newest craze, letters that you wish you wrote to the editor but didn't, reasons why something did or didn't work out, musings about trends, the good old days, cute quotes from the kids, frustrations, interesting stuff that you heard on the radio or TV. For example, I heard about a guy who was shaving his head while driving at 80 mph on the highway and another who was changing his wardrobe while driving at about the same speed on a radio talk show. These tidbits might be great triggers for a short story or novel, especially if you can create answers explaining why and/or how these guys could do that.
- Visit the bookstore. But carry a little notebook and a pen. Then browse, taking note of books whose titles grabbed your attention. What else would these books' audiences appreciate knowing? What bestsellers attracted your attention? What are the names of the newest magazines? What aisles haven't you explored yet? What kinds of books do people seem to pick up and read? What book might you have been looking for, but couldn't find? Did you ask the bookstore's customer service about ordering it? And while you were at it, did you remember to ask the sales associate if books like that are popular?
- Take inventory of your life and experiences. Where did you go to school? What were your best and worst subjects? What kinds of jobs have you held? What subject did you major in and what degrees did you earn? What do you love to do and would do it for free? What are your hobbies? What sports do you enjoy? What do you do especially well? What kind of work experience do you have? What were your favorite jobs? What were your least favorite jobs and why? What problems did you and your colleagues solve? Were you ever fired? Are you working now? Are you an entrepreneur? What clubs and associations have you joined? Are you married or single? How many children do you have? Have you ever traveled, and if so, where?
As you take inventory and gather information, think about who else would be interested and why. While you are at it, make a list of possible audiences, such as bosses, colleagues, friends, lawyers, teachers, and so on. Give yourself time to think about what you have and how you can capitalize on it. Create a few titles just for fun, then choose one that excites you the most and start freewriting. Who knows? You may be creating that next article or book!
Dorothy Zjawin has capitalized on her teaching experience and has had 30 articles published by Instructor and a book, Teaching Ideas for the Come-Alive Classroom published by Parker Pub. Co./Prentice-Hall. Her website, http://www.profitable-pen.com, has other ideas and a free forum. Have a question about writing? Feel free to contact Dorothy!
shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIf you are like most writers, you're constantly searching for... Read More
I've seen it time and again. One of the most... Read More
Agents and publishing houses have their best interests at heart,... Read More
For many authors just starting out, it can be a... Read More
Yes, you know your subject. You also need to think... Read More
1) Can you summarize the story in about a sentence... Read More
One morning, you open your inbox and find several e-mails... Read More
By far, I have found that the lack of discipline... Read More
It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More
No user manual? Surely you jest!It may seem comical, but... Read More
People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?I have said above that if a... Read More
1. Before you write anything down define not what you... Read More
To capitalize on ways to make extra income you can... Read More
Building a new website can be extremely exciting. Seeing your... Read More
The self-indulgent writer listens only to the mumblings of sycophants,... Read More
Communication is effective when we follow certain rules. These rules... Read More
At first, I noticed that I could have written many... Read More
Virgil, the great Roman poet, wrote "Practice and thought might... Read More
These 8 tips on using characters in your stories will... Read More
Dave, I just got a contract for a book... Read More
Despite the widespread use of e-mail in commerce today, traditional... Read More
Want to write your book? But, need a blueprint on... Read More
As a freelance writer, it is important to present yourself... Read More
You are far more likely to successfully write and publish... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..In this article you will find tips on: How to... Read More
1. Remember publication is a business; writing is an art.... Read More
More Tips For New Writers (Part I)Explain in your own... Read More
Long ago, movie directors mastered the technique of creating a... Read More
Winning writing contests can provide several advantages to writers. For... Read More
Do you want to publish something? An article, a non-fiction... Read More
These 8 tips on using characters in your stories will... Read More
I'm willing to bet that quite a number of you... Read More
It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More
This article is to help identify which style, technique or... Read More
Write Right - You have an all important business letter... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?For a theme to work and the... Read More
Having trouble finding a solution to a nagging problem? Try... Read More
Creating incredible characters can be easy if you know of... Read More
I'm in the process of moving from one computer to... Read More
Just about everyone is familiar with this beginning: "In the... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?The writer, who doesn't have the time... Read More
How many times have you checked out a job board... Read More
One morning, you open your inbox and find several e-mails... Read More
The freelance writing market is a growing market to be... Read More
You've finished your story, and you're pretty happy with it.... Read More
In his book, "Achieving Financial Independence as a Freelance Writer,"... Read More
It's clich?, but true-a picture does paint a thousand words.... Read More
Names are important. Names give clues about us, where we... Read More
Les Edgerton writes in his book, Finding Your Voice, that... Read More
Writing |