In an recent documentary about his life,an aged and famous singer was asked where he got his ideas for his great and enduring songs. Without hesitation, he responded: “I just listened-in and observed the world around me.”

In her book, An Introduction To Christian writing, Ethel Herr says that   ‘’Ideas swarm around us everywhere – in all we see, hear, read, touch, experience, do, feel and learn about. The secret is to reach out and grab the inspiration.”

 Here are seven places she recommends to reach out and grab your writing ideas:

Yourself – ideas can be found in your past and present experiences, hobbies, journals, dreams and lessons learned in daily life.

Your family – ideas can be found in familiar sayings, experiences, relationship problems and bits of colorful ancestral history.

Your friends – ideas can be found in their experiences, hobbies, distinctive points of view, insightful conversations

Your church – ideas can be found in sermons, church members, special projects and programs, attitudes

Your community – ideas can be found in neighbors, club and organizations, historical landmarks, social programs

The media – ideas can be found in stories of people doing interesting things, letters to the editor, classified ads, TV shows and movies

Miscellaneous sources – ideas can be found in books, travels, the content of your purse, conversations you overhear, the doctor’s waiting room

Are you struggling to find something to write about today?  Then look around, and you’ll find your ideas are everywhere!

Sharing the journey,

Jeaninne

Responding to the call of writing:  Name one place from which you generate your writing ideas? Post your comments on my blog. I enjoy hearing from you!