Home
>
Writing
>
Idea-Mining for Writers, 102

Idea-Mining for Writers, 102

As many authors are fond of stating, "Ideas are all around!" when asked to be more specific. Well, in a way, that's true. Ideas ARE all around. You just have to know how and where to look for them. If anything, you will have to read like a writer.

Reading like a writer means focusing on items that catch your attention, make you wonder, or make you angry or happy. So after you've read the paper or a magazine, don't throw it out or put it aside yet. If that paper or magazine belongs to you, go back and mark or clip stuff that caught your attention and held it. Perhaps you read the entire article or skimmed it for information that mattered to you.

Chances are that you may have come across a sentence or paragraph that stated an idea much too briefly in passing. But there was something about it that engaged your curiosity and for a few seconds, raised questions. Perhaps you felt that it was too bad that the author did not explain his or her idea just a little further. Pay attention because this may be just the idea that you can develop into an article, story or book with more research.

At this point, consider clipping or highlighting that idea trigger and save it. You can do this by pasting or taping it on a blank notebook page and writing your questions and ideas below it.

Books, journals, pamphlets, fact sheets and even references are full of interesting stuff that can spark ideas. Of course, you will not be able to clip or highlight all of them, but no matter. Jot the idea trigger down, along with the name of the source and page numbers, if possible. If you need to refer to that source again, you will be able to locate it by looking at your notes.

And while you are at it, remember to take a look at your own published and unpublished articles and book manuscripts. As you reread, focus on seemingly little things that could have been expanded a bit more. For example, maybe you can grow that unpublished article into a book!

Another good source is that magazine or book subject that you've only been mildly interested in, but didn't look at again. Even if you're not "into" subjects such as RVs, astrology or mechanics or skiing, you might find it useful to at least skim magazines on those topics. How can one of those given topics be connected or related to your favorite activity or interest? And who else might be interested in it, or at least have problems understanding it or its implications? And be sure to peruse magazines such as Mother Jones, Utne, Harper's, and Atlantic Monthly. You'll notice stuff that may or should concern people, but isn't getting a lot of attention --- yet.

By the time you're finished, you will have accumulated a number of ideas to write about. I can almost guarantee it! Happy hunting, reading and writing!

Dorothy Zjawin, a published writer, has included more ideas in her website, http://www.profitable-pen.com

recurring maid service Wilmette ..

In The News:

OpenTable now uses AI to track your dining habits and share insights with restaurants. Learn what data they collect and how to protect your privacy.

Google's discontinued Nest thermostats still secretly upload home data to company servers despite losing smart features, raising serious privacy concerns.

New Android malware NGate steals NFC payment codes in real-time, allowing criminals to withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Learn protection tips.

DoorDash confirms data breach exposing customer names, emails, addresses after social engineering attack. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.

Concerned about Google's AI scanning your Gmail? Learn how to disable Gemini features that access your emails, Drive files and Chat messages for privacy.

Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.

Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.

A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.

South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.

Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALL·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Idea-Mining for Writers, 102

Writing