How to Come Up with More Great Writing Ideas
I think the first thing to realize about coming up with great writing ideas is that the final idea is part of a process that is different for each writer.
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Each writer goes through a process to produce an idea for a piece of non-fiction or fiction. This comes as no surprise. What may come as a surprise is that many writers do not know what their process is. I mean the writer is not conscious of his or her process to come up with an idea.
Why does it matter if a writer is conscious or not conscious of his or her process for coming up with ideas? It’s important because what is not known cannot be guided. Why would a writer want to guide this part of the creative process? To become more productive. To be more productive is a good thing. Most writers want to be as productive as possible. To do this, the writer must become more conscious of the process of coming up with ideas.
Each writer has a different process for producing ideas. Since the writer I know best is myself, let’s use me as an example of how the process of coming up with a writing idea works. First off I try to be conscious of the process. After I finish an article or a flash fiction story there is a period of not thinking about writing. This can last from one hour to several days. I’m okay with it. I know it’s part of the process.
Then there is a period when I am actively thinking about new ideas. This can be the most frustrating period if it last too long. Too long can be several days. If it last, say, a week I know I’m in the writer’s block stage. But that’s okay. I am conscious of the fact that writer’s block happens and it does not last.
Many times there is a period when I come up with several ideas. Some don’t work out, either in my head or on paper, and some just simply stink.
Then of course, finally, the good idea that may be a great idea pops up. During this entire period of searching for a new writing idea there is no panic or depression because I can’t come up with a good idea. I’m conscious of my creative process so I know that an idea will eventually present itself.
Do you know your creative process for coming up with writing ideas? If you don’t you should find out. Write the process down on paper if you have to. After you publish an article or a short story on Triond sit down and go over in your mind how you came up with your idea. You may find you have several different ways to come up with ideas. Just be conscious of the process. It will help you to be a more productive writer.
Here is an article of mine on Triond you may like: Money and the Writing of Sexy Short Stories on Triond www.writinghood.com/online-writing/money-and-the-writing-of-sexy-short-stories-on-triond/
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July 23rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I agree. Once you know how you got an idea you can find one anywhere anytime. Great writing!
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Hello, Mrs. Heart:
If writers understand their own writing process they can actually be more engaged with it. They can actually act on the process instead of only being acted upon. A writer must work constantly at being in control of the tools of writing. How else to master your craft?
http://www.writinghood.com/online-writing/money-and-the-writing-of-sexy-short-stories-on-triond/
July 25th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Well said, Hogan.
July 25th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Hi, Uma:
The writing is definitely under control in this article. Too bad I can’t write like this all the time.
http://www.authspot.com/Short-Stories/Orgasm.869803
July 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Good work Hogan and by the way, I appreciate what you wrote on my article…
July 29th, 2009 at 4:50 am
I was dreading another dull to-do-list but you’re absolutely right: what people need is not yet another list but a method to create their own personal workable method of generating ideas.
I find daydreaming helps!
+1
August 1st, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Great approach at writing. That’s the point in coming up with a writing idea, you can’t crack your head to let some ideas out. Indeed everyone’s mind has its cycle and understanding it pays off.
August 1st, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Mr. Syed: thank you for stopping by. The creative process can be more informative about writing than the finished product. http://www.authspot.com/Short-Stories/Writer’s-Block.761165
August 1st, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Rycharde Manne:
No list this time. I needed a process to work my way out of writer’s block. Writing this article was part of that process. http://www.writinghood.com/writing/creative-writing-and-the-endless-flow-of-good-ideas/
August 1st, 2009 at 7:07 pm
deep blue:
There are times in our writing lives when we may really think that we won’t come up with another good writing idea. It just takes time, time and watchful waiting. Knowing this fact can save a writer a lot of pain. http://www.writinghood.com/writing/creative-writing-and-passion/
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 am
Hi Guy Hogan,
This really helped me in my writing and I can’t thank you enough for the great piece of information. Keep up the good work!
NewYorkCheeseCake
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:46 am
Hello Guy,
I’m impressed with your article, I really hope this can help me as it helped you, thank you! Can i add you as my friend, i’ve seen your articles and they look very sucessful to me!
August 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
NewYorkCheeseCake:
Thank you for the kind words. I believe every writer has to find his or her own path to coming up with a good short story idea. That’s one of the great things about creative writing. http://www.writinghood.com/online-writing/my-persoal-blog-sent-hundreds-of-hits-to-my-triond-content-in-june/
August 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Hello, Buma:
A writer can find good creative writing ideas every where. The writer just has to stay in a receptive state of mind. Please do add me as a friend and I will do the same. http://www.writinghood.com/writing-business/opportunities/writers-writing-and-good-short-story-ideas/
August 4th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Wow! I think I just discovered someone who really is into it. I like your style – inquisitive, pithy and it draws you in.
Check out my checklist!
http://writinghood.com/writing/the-write-stuff/
Also, there a squillions of WRITERS on-line but no EDITORS.
Cheers . j
August 4th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Hi, James:
Yes I am into it. I find writing to be endlessly fascinating. I think flash fiction is the cutting edge of literature on the Internet. I want to be on that cutting edge. http://www.authspot.com/Short-Stories/Flash-Fiction-Lesbian-Lust.840407
August 4th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Great Article, Check Mine And Tell Me What You Think.
http://www.picable.com/Concepts/Emo/A-Perfect-Sunset-Had-Never-Being-So-Dull.932757
August 5th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Hello, juangesino:
I’m glad you stopped by. I hope the article was informative and useful.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:28 am
superb as always
August 17th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
sylvertech, it just seems that the more understanding a writer has of his or her personal creative process the more creative the writer will be. It makes sense to me.
http://www.writinghood.com/style/how-to/the-five-elements-of-dialogue-in-flash-fiction/
August 18th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I like the way you describe each writer having a process of writing. I agree with you that the more a person recognises his or her creative part, the more wil he or she express it in their writing. It’s a good article to ensure that a writer can never run out of ideas.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Hello, Atikin: Yes, if nothing else writing is about individuality. And each writer must be aware of her creative writing process in order to bring out this individuality. A lazy writer will always write in cliches. There is nothing distinctive about a cliche.
http://www.writinghood.com/writing/let-the-reader-write-your-short-story/
November 22nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Great Article and blog!