In my previous post, I introduced you to the idea of brainstorming ideas for blog posts. If you hit writer’s block and just stare at your screen, completely void of ideas, then let me share with you my brainstorming technique.
I am a visual person. I like to see the brainstorm happen. And I as write down topic ideas, I keep my paper somewhere close by so I can refer to it every time I get stumped.
Here is an illustration of how I brainstorm.
1. Start with a topic you love.
I have a preschool aged daughter, so I started with that as my general topic. You might love cooking, cleaning, traveling or music. Whatever you love and can talk about easily, write it in large letters.
2. Think of topics related to your first word
Make these topics general, don’t worry about specific story ideas yet. Just write down words that go with your main topic.
3. Begin sprouting words/topics from every new word and topic.
This is where you get specific and the story ideas really form. For example, the safety of my 4 year old is a big concern. But more specifically I am very careful with her safety in the car, while I cook and when we are in public. Each of those separate concerns can be its own blog post. Or, if you are really good at being precise, it can be one in depth article as well.
Above all, the more specific the blog post, the easier it is to stay organized and on topic. Your readers will appreciate a clear and concise article as opposed to one that is lengthy and goes on multiple rabbit trails.
This is not the only way to brainstorm, it is just the way that works for me! How do you brainstorm?
Crafty says
I think this will help me get those ideas flowing. Thank you for the post.
Michelle says
Good tip!! I always love your posts!!
Tammy says
I like to read magazines – and then often a topic that was in an article will hit me and I will run off with it from my own view or research some more to make a blog post about it.
Leanne says
This is looking like some of my education classes. 😉
Kasandria Reasoner says
See you wrote about something so simple, but inspired me. *1 MORE reason you ROCK!*
Kas
Matty says
Great idea! I think this will be very helpful!
Jen-Eighty MPH Mom says
I love this! I really need to start doing this. Thanks Annie!
Mimi says
Why does it seem I have this need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to blogging? I know there are a ton of topics I can write about but my “need” to be utterly original or say nothing at all has me stuck. This is a great idea and I’ll have to go find that pen & paper!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
LOL Mimi! I think it is wonderful that you have high standards for yourself. Just remember that what might seem as “unoriginal” to you someone else might never have heard of. You can do this brainstorming and get super duper detailed and/or find a creative angle on a “boring” topic.
Good luck!
Jessica says
I find myself doing the same thing! Thanks for the tips Annie!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
Thanks Jessica!! This is such a very basic brainstorm outline, but helps so much 🙂