12:23 AM
Kira Permunian
Have you ever had a good idea while driving your car or riding a bicycle and thought, "I like that idea, and will write it down as soon as I get a chance," but by the time you reach your destination you forgot the idea? Before you know it, you're sitting in front of your computer writing a tepid post, or worse yet, staring at a blank page. Luckily, there are many techniques for dealing with writers block and for generating exciting ideas. There is no good reason for a block to last longer than a few minutes - anyone, from writers to artists to documentary filmmakers, can overcome a writer's block in short order.
Ask Yourself "Why?"
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| Unique Content Ideas |
According to Assistant Professor of Writing at Loyola University, Allen Brizee, Ph.D., asking oneself "Why should I write this?" is a good technique for overcoming writer's block, and for helping the mind come up with unique content. The mind is like a computer in that, when you ask it a question, it has to come up with an answer - the better and more pointed the question, the more sensible and relevant the answer. Are you writing a post to inform your readership? Ask yourself what information you can provide that is not present elsewhere. Are you writing to entertain your readers? Use a humorous observation that others have failed to make, or a personal anecdote.
Drive the News, Don't Simply Report It
Unless you are already an established authority, being the first to cover a story online is about as useless as rushing for "First Post!" in a thread. On the other hand, covering the news with more depth and precision than others can generate buzz. Make yourself a source for news instead of simply parroting information. Think like a traditional journalist - conduct interviews when it is called for and deliver greater value than others. If others cover critical data with only numbers, make that data visual with pie charts, etc., and offer your own analysis.
Use Videos Instead Of Text
Let's say your site deals with holiday decorations. It's full of image-heavy articles detailing, step-by-step, how to create Halloween clothing such as zombie masks, princess costumes and superhero garb. However, according to educator Patricia Vakos, as well as many other studies, roughly 6 out of 10 people are visual learners. Such learners retain visual information very well, so images work fine for this demographic, but demonstration (i.e. video) works even better. If you're staring at a blank page, it might help both you and your readers to take out the camera.
Use Mind Mapping
Take out a piece of paper and write down the name of a keyword you would like to write about in the center of the page (Google Analytics could help here). Then, branch out in all directions, writing information related to the topic. Using our previous example of Halloween garb, write "princess costumes" in the center of the page. The first branch could read "famous princesses," the second could be "Disney princesses," the third, "real princess stories," and so on. Branch again from each of those ideas, and you will sooner or later have an "a-ha!" moment.
Skim Article Directories
Sure, article directories are great for posting your content and receiving links, but they can also be used to generate ideas. Bookmark a few directory pages that are relevant to your field. Refer to the latest articles for raw ideas, or for alternate ways of presenting your ideas.
Form An Impromptu Mastermind Group
In the early 1900s, Napoleon Hill introduced the concept of mastermind groups. In his book, "Think And Grow Rich" he wrote, "The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony." And, "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind." So, don't be afraid to contact colleagues in your field for a collaborative brainstorming session. As the saying goes, "two minds are better than one."
Use Phone Calls or Television
Step away from the keyboard and call a friend, mentor or family member. Sometimes, simply talking about - and especially listening to - completely unrelated topics gives the mental block time to slip away. If the block remains after 10 or 15 minutes of talking with a friend, steer the conversation toward the topic you wish to write (or make a video) about and ask for ideas. If no ideas are given, or the block persists, call someone else for ideas or simply skim through television channels. According to a research study by Assistant Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College, Jason E. Reiss, Ph.D., our brainwaves lower from the normal beta state to the alpha state while watching television, which relaxes the mind. Use television as a tool to calm your mind, as well as a potential source for ideas.
About the Author: Mitch O’Conner is an online marketer and writer. When he’s not busy testing sites, generating traffic or writing content, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, watching TV, playing games or going camping.
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