by Rodney Southern

Created on: February 25, 2009

One of the most difficult things when you become a writer for Associated Content is article ideas. If you are stuck and can't come up with any ideas, it can be absolutely mind boggling. The single best thing you can do to get those ideas flowing is to head to your local used bookstore.As soon as I walk into the bookstore, I find myself brimming with fresh ideas. Looking around at all those struggling writers before me, and the fact that they came up with everything I see just gets me going. Scanning the shelves, you will find yourself thinking of things that you never would have otherwise. There is always a new idea every few inches as you skim the shelves.Since you are working for Associated Content, you will want to pay attention from that frame of mind. Watch the shelves with a new eye towards spinning articles here on AC. Go into a section you may not usually venture to. Ask yourself what you know about a particular section of the bookstore. Constantly move your mind's eye from idea to idea and take notes. Every idea that you think of, no matter how much you think you won't write about it, should be written down. Allow yourself the freedom to think in broad strokes, but try to find a niche in each area of the store.It is also important that it be a used book store and not the library or a new book store. Those places are fantastic as well, but for inspiration, used does much better. Everything about a used book store inspires productivity, and the ideas will come to you. You will be amazed at how interesting some subjects are to you in spite of the fact you haven't studied them. In today's world, where we get our info over a monitor, seeing the words on paper will refresh you. A good old paper book for you to peruse and have the ideas spring forth is just what the doctor ordered.Do not forget that you are trying to write Associated Content type ideas, and be sure to streamline yourself if you stray to far away. It is very easy to get wrapped up in that book over in the fiction section that you haven't read in years. Try to stay in the factual areas during your idea session. Think like a reporter, and take issues from the past that might be a story today, and update the progress. You can strengthen your article with info off the web later, so just find the ideas.Finally, when you think you have enough ideas, go ahead and find about 50 more because you will wish you did. The used bookstore is the number one place in all of America to come up with an article idea for Associated Content. There are millions of them waiting for your perusal.

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