Here are five things to do when you can’t think of what to write for your next blog article.
- Cruise Twitter or Facebook or any other social media site.
Most posts are simple tidbits into random people’s lives or self-promotions about the latest books, movies, products, etc., but they can make you smile or inspire you to find words of your own. I like cruising Pinterest on occasion, and every now and then I find a new type of dessert or crock pot dish to try. Once I taste the results, if it turns out delicious, it feels like I didn’t completely waste my time online. Haha.
- Watch classic movies on TCM.
I’ve found quite a few gems on Turner Classic Movies, and the hosts give interesting facts and trivia about movies, directors, writers, actors, etc. Some of the information is a ton more than I’d care to know, but most of the time I enjoy learning what they have to share with the viewers. It’s always fun to see some old favorites, but it’s also entertaining to find new-to-me classic movies that pique my interest and inspire me to keep plugging away at storytelling.
- Wash dishes (or other chores).
There is something completely therapeutic about scrubbing dishes. At least to me. While I’m standing there with my arms nearly elbow-deep in sudsy water, my mind is set free to roam about with the fictional characters and story lines I’m attempting to wrangle into a cohesive story that will bring a great and emotional journey into my readers’ hearts. (For a sample of my writing, please check out my short stories on this blog. They may be found by searching for “short story.”)
- Take a nap.
Why did the Kindergartners of my generation get all the naps? They were never wanted at that time, but boy, could I use ’em nowadays! Naps can be rejuvenating, but they may also allow the mind to subconsciously work out ideas to fill in plot holes in a current WIP (work-in-progress). They’re really great for waking up with wonderful ideas for blog articles too. Maybe I’ll just… yawn… go find a pillow now, actually.
- Read a book.
There’s nothing like reading another person’s work to find ideas and inspiration for my own. It can be as simple as a theme, a character quirk, or a name to inspire a complete blog article or the start of a new story idea. Right now I’m reading Roseanna White’s A Song Unheard, and I must say, I’m feeling quite inspired by the richness of her research. Her books are always saturated in historical accuracy, which I love. I only hope I’ll be able to provide the same nice touch if I write a historical novel someday. I just got a fresh idea for one, so that is a highly probable scenario.
In what ways do you while away the hours?
How do you get inspired to write blog articles or stories?
