Seeking ways to find inspiration as a writer.
If you’ve had to write or produce content day in and day out, whether as a 9-to-5 or a side project, chances are you’re all too familiar with the frustration of staring at a blank page. No inspiration. No drive. No words.
Just one failed attempt after another.
In this article, I am going to share the sources of inspiration that have worked for me. So the next time you’re faced with a case of the dreaded blank page syndrome, try out some of these and see if it’ll overcome your creative block.
Tough pill to swallow but it’s science.
1. Community-Focused Platforms: If you’re not reading from the right communities, what are you even doing?
When reading up on your topic of interest, don’t look for inspiration within the content produced by big brands or magazines alone. Be it Forbes, Harvard Business Review or Wired. Check out where the people are, where your audience is speaking up, and get a peek into their thoughts.
With over 400 million monthly visitors, one such hotspot is Quora, where you get to read questions people ask and answers others give in niche-specific communities. By getting a window into these conversations, you’re gaining valuable insights into the hot debates, challenges and interests that drive engagement within your topic focus.
Reddit is another similar platform that has subreddits (or communities) catering to diverse trends, interests and concerns. According to Reddit, the platform has over 100,000 active communities across its platform.
That being said, check out these two platforms when you’re out of ideas. You never know where inspiration strikes.
One of my top-performing articles was inspired in the same way. In fact, my opening line in that article is: A post recommended for me on Quora inspired this blog.
2. Trend Analyses: Let the facts guide you towards the light at the end of the tunnel.
This source of inspiration is almost the polar opposite of the previous one. While the previous point has a lot to do with tuning into the words of people, and getting their opinions, feelings and perspectives on a matter, this one goes the other way.
We’re looking at trend analyses, studies and insightful reports from large corporations. Numbers and facts all the way.
Examples of reports related to my area of marketing, content and social media:
- TikTok: What’s Next 2024 Trend Report
- Pinterest: Pinterest Predicts 2024 Trend Forecast
- Hootsuite: Social Trends 2024
In a recent blog, I revealed my secret to getting a consistent stream of inspiration from Pinterest and their annual trend report (mentioned above) as well as their daily top trends.
3. Personal Challenges: Kick down the barriers and then turn them into opportunities.
When you’re faced with a personal challenge and try out different methods, tips and tricks until you find the solution that works for you…
Why not turn that experience of struggle and discovery into a blog post to help others who can relate and apply your learnings on their journeys towards self-development?
It’s a win-win all around.
You get a new topic to work on, where you’ve managed to make the best of a difficult situation, and your audience learns something along the way.
Whether through personal anecdotes, blog posts or social media posts, you’re not only demonstrating vulnerability by opening up about your experience but you’re also extending a hand of connection to others.
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies reported in the Harvard Business Review show that human brains are naturally attuned to storytelling and tend to respond better to narratives than to other forms of content sharing. Stories have the ability to influence our brains and trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes trust.
4. Comments & Reviews: Explore the power of your audience.
This one depends on whether you’ve been writing or creating content for a while or you’re just starting from scratch.
If you’ve been doing this for a minute, chances are you have a following, big or small. Whether your posts get 1 or 50 comments or reviews, do you pay attention to what they say?
Hear what your audience has to say. If they express interest in a specific topic, go there.
Here’s how you can utilize the comment section for your work.
- Someone asked a follow-up question in the comment of your blog? Turn it into your next post and answer the question.
- Someone criticized a piece you wrote? Write again, give it another shot with a different angle and focus.
- Someone commented how much they loved what you shared? Clearly you’re doing something right — do more of that. Give the people what they want!
Under one article that I’d written about marketing in Dubai, someone left me a positive comment, closing it with: “More UAE and Dubai stories pleaseeee.” That automatically gives me ideas of what I can write about the next time I look for inspiration.
5. Conversations: Life imitates art! Art imitates life!
When you’re having conversations about everyday experiences, like a time-management tip you learned from a co-worker, how you overcame “gymtimidation” or anxiety as a beginner at the gym, or a post you come across on X (formerly, Twitter) about using AI in your work, consider how these stories can be expressed across your craft.
Perhaps coming across this tweet inspires your first sentence, something along the lines of: As I scrolled through my timeline on X today, an idea struck me…
As simple as that and your story has begun.
Infuse your writing with authenticity and warmth by weaving these stories into your articles.
Research by cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner suggests that people remember stories 22 times better than facts alone.
6. Activities, Hobbies & Experiences: Live life, laugh and then create some more.
In the process of hustling, don’t forget to get a life.
Engage in activities, hobbies and experiences that stimulate your mind and spirit. Drive a real-life Mario Kart in Tokyo, go for a cultural tour in a museum, take a jiu-jitsu class, learn a new TikTok dance — dive into the world around you.
Inspiration can be lurking in the most unexpected places. Anything can spark that “aha!” moment and get your ideas flowing again.
Keep your eyes open — and more importantly — your mind open, stay curious, snap photos as you enjoy life and you might even use that in your next blog post.
Final Thoughts
Remember that overcoming blank page syndrome is not about waiting for inspiration to strike, whenever that may be. It requires a proactive approach.
By tapping into the listed strategies and actively engaging with the world, you can nurture a constant flow of creativity.
What source of inspiration resonates most with you? Got your own tips and tricks? Share them in the comments below!
The Official Sara 
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