Stuck with writing… how do you all get ideas?

Does anyone else feel like this?

I blog just for fun and don’t have a specific focus—I just write whatever pops into my head. But lately, it’s like nothing is popping up at all. I’ve tried looking at those lists of prompts (like ‘100 ideas for when you’re blocked’), but they feel so forced. How do you all handle this kind of dry spell?

Prompts don’t have to be boring! Take a prompt and twist it into something unique. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the exact idea—just let it spark something for you.

Personally, I find a lot of inspiration in online communities. Jump into a group or a forum where people are chatting about stuff you care about, and see what they’re asking or discussing. It could give you some great ideas to write about that help others too.

@Jane
Totally agree!

This happens to everyone. Just take a deep breath and let your thoughts flow naturally. Give it some time, and the ideas will come.

Rangton said:
This happens to everyone. Just take a deep breath and let your thoughts flow naturally. Give it some time, and the ideas will come.

That made me smile. It really is that simple, huh?

@SHANIA
Exactly. Sometimes it’s just about letting it happen.

Write about something random! Like a chair—what makes a chair a chair? Different kinds of chairs, materials, uses, even philosophical stuff like ‘is a sofa a chair?’ or ‘what’s the point of chairs anyway?’ Pick anything and just explore it. Forget about making it perfect, just write!

@Liam
This reminds me of that scene from Married with Children where Kelly wonders what a chair would look like if our knees bent backward. :joy:

Bright1 said:
@Liam
This reminds me of that scene from Married with Children where Kelly wonders what a chair would look like if our knees bent backward. :joy:

I’m not sure what you mean, but kids do have wild imaginations. Maybe ask one what they think!

@Liam
Haha, true. Makes you wonder about stuff in a new way.

Why not write about how you have nothing to write about? Or just jot down the first five things that come to your mind and see where that takes you.

Betsy said:
Why not write about how you have nothing to write about? Or just jot down the first five things that come to your mind and see where that takes you.

I’ve heard of something similar! There’s a writer, Summer Brennan, who suggests writing five true things. If they connect, great. If not, you’ve still got material to build on.

You might like checking out this forum called ‘human blogging.’ It’s a place for people who write their own stuff without AI. You could find some inspiration or just connect with others who get it.

Have you tried asking an AI for ideas? It could give you a starting point to build on.

Are you good at writing? I’ve got tons of ideas but struggle to write them well. Only managed one book in 20 years!

Look at what others in your area of interest are writing about. You might be able to take inspiration from their topics and add your own twist.

I use Google Tasks for this. When I think of an idea, I jot it down right away. Later, when I’m out of ideas, I check my list and see what sparks something.

Try doing something active like a walk or a run, but don’t listen to music. Just let your mind wander—you’d be surprised what pops up when you’re moving around.

I just started my own blog reviewing books. I’m just your average person, not too smart or dumb, and I’m leaning into that vibe. What platform are you using for your blog?

Have you tried word clouds? They’re great for sparking creative ideas.