Beating Writer's Block

Writers are often told to write what they know. And most writers know more than they think. Here are five places to look for inspiration.

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People describe themselves by age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and nationality. Each description makes them part of a group with particular characteristics and issues to write about. Writers will find a ready made audience among those who belong to the same group.

Job Satisfaction

The workplace is another rich source of inspiration, especially if you've done a lot of jobs. Many writers also do other jobs unrelated to writing. Examples are working in a shop, at a fast food chain or in an office. Jobs provide experiences that writers can use and bring writers into contact with people who might inspire them. What's on your resume (or off it) that might inspire you?

Family Affairs

Within family units there are many experiences that could inspire a writer. Examples are marriage, divorce, childbirth and parenting. Medical conditions such as gallstones, heart disease, hysterectomies and mental illness can provide a starting point for writing an article or story.

Role Play

Are you a wife, husband, father, mother, parent, child, only child, sibling, uncle, aunt or grandparent? Then there are even more experiences to use in your writing. Whatever writers learn from their family situations can be shared with others.

Free Time

Hobbies and interests are another rich source of ideas. Participation in team or individual sports such as tennis, badminton, volleyball, track and field, racquetball, netball, basketball or swimming can provide ideas for writing. Others who do the same activities will be interested in your writing. Even if you're not athletic, playing computer games or games such as Scrabble or Monopoly gives an experience to share with others.

Inspiration is everywhere and writers don't have to reveal all to make these ideas work. These are merely starting points for material that can change or fictionalize. Some things have to stay private, after all.

Next Steps

Now that you've found the inspiration, make sure you've got the right setting for writing and try your hand at feature writing.