Overcoming Writer's Block on Associated Content

If you're like me, you're trying to turn Associated Content into your new part time job. You're also finding that when you're trying to crank out at least two articles a day, you're running very low on ideas. When inspiration strikes, a submission-worthy article can be started and finished in under half an hour. When it doesn't, hours spent staring at the computer monitor leave you with a few lines about mowing the lawn, or something equally worthless. When I find myself with a case of writer's block, I go through a few steps. By the time I'm done, I've usually got an article that, while its probably not magnificent, is usually worth submitting.

First, I write what I know. It's the best place to start, because it doesn't require much effort. Nothing to look up, just the occasional fact to check. I know a lot about computers and electronics, so that's where I usually start.

If I can't think of anything from that category, I do a complete 180. I write about something I know nothing about. I do some research, read around for a while, and then write an article about what I learned. Not only have I made a few dollars, I've expanded my horizons a bit and learned something new.

The problem with both of those is that they still require me to pull an idea out of thin air. That is, for me, the most difficult part. When I'm really stuck, there's a few things I try.

Wandering around helps me more than anything else. I wander around my house, go for a walk, or hop in the car and go for a cruise. I wander around looking for anything and everything that might inspire me. Maybe I'll find a product in my home that I can write a good review of. The world is full of inspiration.

Sometimes, I'll ask somebody else. I'll pull up AIM and pick someone off the list at random and say to them hey, pick a topic for me to write about. Sometimes, its worthless. More often than not, they'll pick something decent.

Finally, I look for inspiration in other articles. I once saw an article on the AC front page about the best beaches in the Chicago area. It inspired me to write one about the best beaches in my area.

There's plenty of money to be made here. Don't let writer's block get the best of you.