The Idea Mill

As a writer, sometimes I just plain run out of ideas. Call it writers’ block or a dead end or lack of inspiration. It’s no fun. I have a few tricks to generate the idea mill and get my imagination working again. Go ahead and try some of these:

– Read a book. Maybe even one you’ve read years ago.

– Explain your dilemma to someone who doesn’t know much about what it is you do and ask them what they think. You’ll be surprised at what they come up with.

– Think about a significant event from your past and write down one-word descriptions of the emotions you felt.

– What seems impossible, but if it were possible, how would change it things? No limits.

– How would you pursue your goals if you had unlimited resources?

– Visit your local library and spend some time in a section of books or magazines you’ve never read before.

– Read the news online. Especially the stuff way down at the bottom of the page.

– Describe the barriers to your challenges. Then ask some trusted friends/family/coworkers  give you some possible solutions.

– Take yourself out to a coffee shop and order something you’ve never tried before.

– Think of 10 absolutely ridiculous ways to solve your problem.

– Laugh. At nothing.

– What’s the one question you would ask God if He were in the same room with you?

– Look at a list of baby names, pick a few of them, and write descriptions for characters who might have those names.

– Have someone else look over your notes to see if there is perhaps an idea you’ve missed.

– Look into some old notebooks to find ideas that may have seemed silly at the time, but now have some value.

– Get more than one opinion. Maybe even from someone you don’t particularly like.

– Write down the problem down and use the fewest number of words you possibly can.

– Take a walk, relax and observe. People watching provides a wealth of ideas.

Every situation, conversation, problem, or success has potential to produce ideas in abundance. Just open your eyes and look around you.