Five Ways to Find Creative Ideas

July 19, 2011

Photo by RBJ

Do you need to jumpstart your brain or create a new project? Are you facing writer‘s block? Do you want to find new ideas for writing an article, book, or blog? Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a wannabe just getting started, or an entrepreneur craving new ventures, here are five ways to find creative ideas and start your fingers flying:

1. Journaling

Keep your “quiet times” with the Lord fresh and up to date. My book shelf is filled with notebook journals where I’ve penned inspirational thoughts from reading God‘s Word. Five minutes on the run might satisfy temporarily, but a writer thirsty to hear from God needs chunks of time: time to think, time to read, time to pray and digest. The majority of my books were born from the pages of those journals. Sometimes the ideas come from Scripture, like my two books, 40 Days in God’s Presence, and 40 Days in God’s Blessing. Other times, I just write my impressions and thoughts from events and life around me.

Whether you use a notebook, a computer, or other device to journal, just do it. Give yourself time to think. Half a writer’s time may involve thinking and meditating about the things you see, read, and hear. And if your journal or device is not handy? I’ve known songwriters who have written their song lyrics on restaurant napkins. Keep a notebook–or something to write on–with you at all times.

Lately, one of the places I’ve found creative ideas is in our church worship service. Inevitably, either during the praise service as the words and music sweep through my spirit, or during the message, ideas begin to flow. I do take sermon notes, but the bulletin also becomes my temporary journal page as well. I confess that at times I’ve even grabbed a small notebook or piece of paper by my bedside to scribble an idea down before I lost it–yes, in the middle of the night–yes, in the dark. As I grow older, I realize ideas will no longer hover around my brain like a buzzard over fresh kill. If I don’t write it immediately, the idea may vanish into the night.

 2. Life Experience 

Have you been through a crisis? Learned any new lessons? Make a list of the things you’ve learned. What stories can you tell from your own life growing up, as a child, as a teen, from your marriage, from places you’ve been. What have you experienced that could minister to someone else? What humorous things have happened to you? Most of my early books, articles, and even blogs have evolved from life experiences–as a child, a wife, a mom, a friend–always with the hope that it might encourage someone else.

My first solo book, At Home in My Heart, Preparing a Place for His Presence, was born from both personal life experiences and journaled thoughts. And my most recent devotionals, Day-votions® for Women, Day-votions® for Mothers®, and Day-votions® for Grandmothers were also conceived from life experiences, along with Bible principles.

3. Nature

Nothing inspires me more than being out in God’s creation, whether it’s in my own backyard, at a mountain retreat, or beside a lazy river. Many of my blogs originated from nature, including the recent 2-blog series, “Lessons from Alaska about God’s Character and Ours.” If you’re stuck in a rut and the walls are closing in, take a break if at all possible. Plan for a brief getaway, go for a walk, or just go outside for a change of pace. And when you are blessed to go on vacation, don’t forget to take your notebook or computer (and I don’t mean for checking e-mail or facebook) for recording fresh inspiration.

4. Photos

As a greeting card writer, photos are especially helpful to me when looking for ideas. But they’ve also created inspiration for articles and blogs. In fact, I’ve become so interested in photography that I often spend as much time finding the right photo as I do the blog itself. Buy yourself a good camera, and watch for photogenic opportunities.

You can also view (and use) pics from free photo places online such as stock.xchng. Or look at old greeting cards, your own photo albums, or visit an art gallery. Ask yourself questions about the photos: “What if’?” “Why?” I love to watch for unusual objects and scenes that might jumpstart my creativity later.

5. Books, Movies, and Newspapers

You’ve heard it before. Good writers are readers. What we read, like what we eat, affects and influences us. Well-written books and inspiring movies embed themselves in your brain, feeding you inspiration and creativity. Vary your reading to include biography, fiction, and non-fiction. Good books will jumpstart your thoughts positively. Many fiction writers have gleaned working plots from newspaper articles. Truth is still stranger than fiction.

I can always tell when my thoughts become dull and uninteresting. I’ve stopped stretching, growing, learning, and reading. I averaged reading at least one, sometimes two books a week this past year. I’d like to read even more. You’d be amazed at the odd times you can find to read if you really want to.

In fact, you’ll be amazed at the ideas you’ll find, the things you’ll write, and the creations you’ll make–if you really want to. I have found that as I seek first to know God intimately, then offer my life as a blank page to the Lord, He fills my file folder full of ideas–many of which were born from places like these. 

And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.” Habakkuk 2:2-3, The Message

What about you? What sparks your creativity? Where do you get your ideas? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using  the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first.

Seven Reasons for Not Blogging

March 9, 2010

To blog or not to blog….

When I decided my old website needed a face lift, I heard–and read–tons of advice: “You need to be blogging, not just writing a newsletter.” Why? I questioned peers and studied the words of experienced bloggers and thought, “Does the world really need one more blog? I mean, who cares? And why? Who wants to read my private thoughts and opinions, anyway? And with my schedule, would it be blogging or bogging?

What Is Blogging?

What is blogging anyway? If you’re new, you can find plenty of generic introductions to blogging, like this one from WordPress, Daniel Scocco’s post at Dailyblogtips.com, or any of Michael Hyatt’s posts such as “How to Start a Blog.” An article called ”Christian Blog Evangelism” shares some “how-to’s” while encouraging Christians to write blogs from a Christian worldview.

Why Start a Blog?

Everyone has his own reasons for blogging. Sue Gunelius, an About.com guide, lists “Ten Top Reasons to Start a Blog,” like marketing your product, sharing an opinion, helping people, connecting with others, and making a difference. “Just journal your thoughts,” someone else offers. “Blogging is just journaling your thoughts to the world.”

Hmm. I actually love journaling. Years ago as a young mom I remember sitting for hours writing both my complaints and celebrations–intended for God’s ears alone. Sometimes I’d think, “Am I wasting my time?” I shamed myself for chaining my heart to a pen and a desk, pouring out words no one would ever hear–while work sat untended. Who cared about my scribbling? God did. And He encouraged me.

So I continued to journal through the years. In the process, penning my thoughts has also helped me become more accountable. How? By taking the truths God has shown me through His Word and through personal reflection, and applying them to my own life. 

So, what does all this have to do with blogging? Read more