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Freelance Writing Secret Technique - How to Permanently Beat Writer's Block

A Simple Strategy for Having Endless Topic Ideas

Vikas D. Reddy
It's a difficult world for an online freelance writer these days. The internet has exploded into the homes of over a billion people on Earth. To rise through the ranks and become a distinguished writer, you have to be able to stay on top of your game. The writer's block is the most feared contraption of nature but with a few simple tips, you can beat it. Here is a simple secret of freelance writing that will ensure you literally unlimited ideas and topics to write about.

Preparation - Are You Ready To Commit?

This isn't just a job. This is a passion. It's a lifestyle. And if you plan on making money in the process, you have to be able to think of topics to write every day. Some of the most successful freelance writers in the world can publish an article daily. It's not rocket science - it's easier to be able to keep the writer's block at bay and create strong content consistently than you think. It all lies in making the most of your time.

Integrate "topics" into your life. See everything as a searchable phrase. It sounds kind of far-fetched but the truth is that many writers thinking about how to gain more view counts or write chapters for their brand new novels know exactly what this strategy is. You might be hanging out with your friends and have a brainstorm raging in your head; spontaneously or controlled, it doesn't matter. You could be in school, at work, or even dreaming and countless ideas of topic shine in your head like light bulbs. Don't worry, you're not going crazy. It's just a trait that all writers share. But it's also something many cannot remember and thus they're doomed to have writer's block and never be able to sit down at their desk and type an article in thirty minutes flat.

Thinking of a topic can sometimes take longer than actually writing about it. This is not a coincidence. It's life's way of forcing you to take on a challenge. Here's my secret that isn't really a secret but a strategy many writers do not use.

Your Mind is a Huge Word Document - That's Why Man Invented Notepad

Okay, the human brain is a masterpiece and I like to use an analogy. What happens in your brain as a writer is like what you type in a word document on a computer. Everything is fine until you realize you can't save anything. Well, nothing at will. You either remember or you don't.

Open a Notepad file, Word Document, or any text program and save it on your desktop, personal folder, or wherever you want. It's best to use a Notepad file because it opens quick and can be found easily on your computer. Make sure you keep it marked in the Quick Launch menu.

Title this document: "Topic Ideas" or something along those lines.

Now pay attention. Every time you ever think of an idea that you know you write about, open this file and write it down. Don't write paragraphs and lengthy novels. Just type the name of the title (which can be 3-10 words) as a bullet point, save it (Cntrl+S), and exit the file.

Over time you will make a habit of this and realize you are thinking of future topics at a rate faster than you are writing them. Practice makes perfect and eventually the topics you think of are almost always noted down. All it takes is a few clicks to open the file, write down your brilliant idea(s), and keep them saved for later.

I've been able to maintain a steady stream of articles without much difficulty because I keep a Notepad file handy at all times. In a single month, I have enough ideas for topics already that will last me a year.

But the ultimate reason why this strategy will permanently stop writer's block for topic ideas is that it is a constant process. You are always typing in potentially high quality article ideas every day and the list will remain dauntingly long - but this is a good thing.

I never have to worry about thinking of another topic idea again and I've only used this strategy for a few weeks. Check on the list every week and remove bullet points of articles you finished and delete ideas that can no longer be used. Use it as a checklist, calendar, and even a place to keep important links.

You can't make the most of this technique overnight but with continuous practice a few times a week, you can hone your skills to the point of permanently defeating writer's block. Rack up those page views, earn money using the simplest techniques, and remember; to be a great writer in today's world, you must rise beyond the call of duty.

Over time you will learn to implement your own ideas for your digital brainstorming text file and be able to come home from work and know exactly what you're going to write about.

Published by Vikas D. Reddy

Vikas is a medical student, martial artist, and a long-time gamer. He has practiced Tae Kwon Do, Kendo, and boxing for over seven years. Vikas is currently a writer and co-editor for his college magazine...  View profile

Over a billion people on Earth use the Internet and that number is rising every day. What that number means to you as a writer is that you must go beyond the call of duty to become a popular and well paid freelance writer.

13 Comments

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  • Rosa Hayes5/4/2009

    I do this a lot but I also keep a note pad in my car for times when i am away from the computer. I love these articles and keep up the good work.

  • Jacob Twist12/17/2008

    great article. Its relevant and practical. Good way to put into practice this technique, thanks for sharing.

  • Catie Watson12/10/2008

    Thanks for sharing one of the secrets to your prolific success.

  • Mrs. Haute Mama12/9/2008

    This is a really cool article.

  • Carla Boner12/9/2008

    Great idea I love it! I usually jot ideas down on an old fashioned notepad next to my laptop. I may start doing this though.

  • pam pleasant12/9/2008

    good points!

  • Cathy A Montville12/8/2008

    Very good advice and I will remember it and use it!

  • 3lilangels12/8/2008

    Very helpful, what a really good article thank you for writing this!

  • Vikas D. Reddy12/7/2008

    Practice reigns supreme, my friend.

  • Kofi Bofah12/7/2008

    Real Talk: I cannot get the ideas out of me fast enough and onto the notebook or keyboard fast enough.

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