Stuck for an idea? Try this. It’s an idea generation formula that works every time, if you’re prepared to make the creative leap between the starting point and the thing you want to write about.
Here’s the idea generation formula: [Something about you] + link to topic = idea
By the way, on its own the formula doesn’t give your idea depth. That comes later. But it does give you an idea when you’re stuck.
The best way to understand the link or bridge between two concepts is to have a go at creating some for yourself. In order to do this, you’ve got to let yourself off the hook and allow yourself to write down anything (no one is going to see it after all) without censoring or criticising yourself. To prove the point, I’m going to give you ten random pairs of words. Have a go at linking them.
Here’s a linguist trick you can try if you find yourself holding back: it helps if you write down what the link could be between these concepts, not what the link is. In other words, ask yourself ‘what could link bees and whales?’ and not ‘what links bees and whales?’
Treat this practice attempt at linking as a game. Please don’t try to make logical sense or to tell the truth when you first try this. Simply write down anything that comes to mind.
Take the question ‘what could link whales and bees?’ Because you can write whatever comes to mind, as answers, ‘they both like honey’ or ‘they’re both blue’ are as good as ‘they’re both animals’ or ‘they both feature in stories by Julia Donaldson.’
Here are your ten pairs of words:
Imagine you had to – were being compelled to – write a sentence explaining the link between these concepts, or what the link could be, however unlikely. Remeber you don’t have to make sense or tell the truth because it’s only a game! Have a go at doing that now.
Like this game? You can make your own lists of words based on what you can see around you, cut them up and put them in an old tissue box or a jar, and then pull out random pairs to use. (This is called a ‘spark box’ – and I give more detail on the technique in the Small Steps Guides.) When I first wrote this article, I could see two snakes, a frog, a dinosaur and a sausage dog and that was just for starters! Can you tell I was looking at an untidy room full of toys!?
Now write down ten things about you. This could be jobs you’ve done, experiences you’ve had, food you like, TV programmes or films you enjoy, hobbies or sports you’re into, any interests you have, anything quirky or unusual about you, places you’ve lived or loved, memories you treasure, trips you’ve been on, or any category of your choice. You get the idea!
Write down ten and then choose those you’re happy to write about. As an example, here are ten random facts about me:
Once you’ve got your list of ‘things about you’ take whatever it is you want to write (or write about) and put them together. Find a link between the two things in the same way you did with the pairs of words in the random words game above.
Here’s the idea generation formula in action. In the first example, let’s say I wanted to write a travel article and decided to start with number 10 above, old buildings. In the second, let’s assume I wanted an idea for a series of poems instead.
The writing prompt isn’t ‘old buildings’ or ‘write a travel article’ or ‘write a series of poems’. The writing prompt is ‘something about you + your topic’. You bring the creative link between the two.
Have a go at linking ‘something about you’ with ‘something you want to write about’ to see how this technique works.
More soon. Until then, happy writing,
Louise xx
P.S. If you’d like more tips like these, take a look at the Small Steps Writing Guides.
P.P.S. I have an online course on coming up with ideas. You can find it here.