Comments on: Writer Mini Clinic: Finding Ideas

By: Pinar Tarhan

Pinar Tarhan — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 11:43:07 +0000

This is so timely for me! I've been having a bit of writer's block. I have a lot of ideas, but not the kind I need right now. So thanks. 🙂

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 23:22:56 +0000

Very true, Lori! That's also the question that helps find the right markets for each piece.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 20:04:48 +0000

Don't forget the other question, Paula — what does this mean to the audience? That's my main question most times.

Studies can be boring, or they can be fun, like this one:

http://www.ardmoreite.com/article/20150416/LIFESTYLE/150419825/-1/entertainment

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:31:08 +0000

I've never thought of checking for studies - perhaps because my eyes gloss over when numbers and percentiles are bandied about. But I'll give it a try!

No matter the subject or object, there are two simple questions that will lead to tons of ideas: How? and Why?

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 16:07:37 +0000

Nikki, you're smart and talented. No reason why you can't get there. And hey, seems to me you already are. 🙂

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 16:03:35 +0000

Hope it helps stir the creative juices, Nikki. 🙂 At the end, it links back to a longer post on the same topic.

By: Nichole Smith

Nichole Smith — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:19:10 +0000

Yay Cathy! I was going to tweet you today and ask if you could share that with me.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:16:08 +0000

You will, Nikki. It's how we are wired. ;-)

BTW, here's a link to my SlideShare (I trust you don't mind, Lori) ;-)

5 Simple Mind-mapping Tricks

By: Nichole Smith

Nichole Smith — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:53:13 +0000

My brain is exploding right now. I just tried the Bing "study" suggestion and I already found 3 articles that I want to read and then dive deeper into.

Lori, I swear that while I was reading this I could see the wheels turning in your head on the process of generating ideas. I hope to get there one day!

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 13:09:15 +0000

Cathy, I love your insights, as well. You're right -- it's what's sitting in front of you. Right now, I can think of several ideas based on what's sitting on my desk:

-- Best computer speakers (and why)
-- Fun and inexpensive bridal shower decorations (daughter's sunflower/pen centerpiece)
-- The streamlined (and decluttered) home office (which I need)
-- A review of storage devices
-- How to save money at Starbucks (reusable cup I use every day)
-- Best phones for work-at-home professionals
-- The Essential Author's Library List
-- How to build a productive work space, from color to design
-- Travel article on Ireland (I have a little jar of dirt from Ireland on my desk)
-- The health effects of regular computing
-- Ergonomics tips for home-based workers

Etc.... :)