Numbers: Ideas and Inspiration for Writing and Research

Numbers are important in many aspects. For example, math, science, money, stores, banks, businesses, purchasing, investment and calendars involve the use of numbers.  Numbers in the form of dates, years and digits can be used for ideas and inspiration for writing and research.  You can write stories, articles, blogs and initiate research projects by using numbers to jump-start your writing adventures and pursuits!

1) Dates – For instance, let’s say you want to write a story or maybe you have a love for doing research. Take the date April 4, 1950. Make up a fictitious character.  Let’s use the name Harriet. We can say that Harriet traveled to 4 European countries during the month of April. Choose your 4 countries. Harriet explored and did research on the folk art of those 4 European countries during the year 1950. Another idea is to imagine that Harriet wanted to read the works of 4 international authors specifically from the year 1950 and travels to those authors respective countries all in the month of April. An optional direction we can take is to say that Harriet is passionate about international poetry and wishes to collect an international poetry book from each country.  You will most likely engage in doing research on your part. Incorporate your passions, interests and hobbies in your writings.

If you like to write research articles, you can pick a date and type it in any search engine: Google, Yahoo, Bing ….  Let’s choose November 8, 1972.  The results that show up are instant inspiration for your research articles and projects.  You can even pick your own date of birth!

2) Years – You can utilize the numbers in a year to spark up a story, article or research project.  You don’t have to incorporate all the numbers in your chosen year but you can utilize most of them. 

For instance, let’s use the numbers in the year 1960. We’ll shake things up by mixing the numbers around.  Starting with 6, you can write a story and create 6 characters.  Now we will use the number 1, we can say that all these 6 characters are bonded  together by 1 event, memory, tragedy or passion.  Or that they all share something in common: same birthday, all childhood friends, graduated from the same college or that these 6 people started something special: a charity, foundation or a society.  Maybe these 6 individuals witnessed something bizarre or strange. Perhaps they are linked to a secret.  Now comes the number 9. We can say that these 6 people meet on the 9th of each month. Or that these 6 characters have received 9 keys each but the mystery is what do each of those keys unlock? Maybe these individuals receive 9 anonymous letters or phone calls each within a month or year! Dive into and indulge in your special imagination and creativity!      

3) Digits – You can use single number digits, two numbers digits and so forth to contribute ideas for your writings. 

Single Number Digits – For example 8, you can write 8 interesting facts about a topic or subject you are enthusiastic about.  If you love doing research, do research on subjects you are deeply passionate about and wishing to pursue. Write an article or blog about your research findings.  

Two Number digits – For example 58, we can separate the numbers 5 and 8. Take the number 5, you can write a blog about 5 people you honor or admire and write 8 facts about each of those people.  Or you can switch it around and write about 8 countries you would like to visit and 5 items you wish to obtain from each country.

Three Number Digits – Now let’s use a three number digit, let’s pick 150. You can write 50 things about 1 person. Perhaps that person can be you! Or you can write 1 historical or interesting fact about each of the 50 States. Another idea is to write one thing you would like to see or do if you had the chance to visit each state. Still using the number 150, let’s scatter the numbers around. You can write 5 facts each about 10 of your favorite websites, music artists, movies, TV shows or authors you greatly admire.

Whenever you are blank with words or have no thoughts about material to write about, try using numbers for ideas and inspiration for your writing and research. Mix, play around and have with numbers!