Someone sent me a private message on eHow today, telling me that they are “stumped,” and can’t think of anymore titles and articles to write.  He asked me to tell him how I come up with ideas, and how he can do the same thing to come up with ideas for his articles.  I took a look at his article list.  He’s written 7 articles.  I can’t imagine being stumped so early in the game, but here’s what I wrote back to him:

“I think maybe you’re trying too hard.  The great thing about eHow, is the first part of the title is a given.  How to ___.  Just fill in the blank with anything that people may search for.   eHow articles are really everywhere you look.  Just adjust your thinking, and see the world with a little more curiosity.  Think like a curious search engine user might think.  In your living room: someone might search for “how to get crayon marks off a painted wall,” or “how to program a DirecTV remote,” or “how to light a fire in a fire place.”   Go into each room of your house, looking for things someone might search for.   Carry a pad of paper and a pen, and write them down.  Watch television and listen for things that people might wonder about.”

If you’re stuck and unable to come up with new ideas (like the fellow who wrote to me), step away from your keyboard and do something to busy your mind.  The longer you feel “stuck,” and unable to think of something, the more writer’s anxiety you’ll build up.  You’ll feel anxious every time you sit at your keyboard, rather than feeling inspired.  Heck, if you’re feeling anxious, get out of your house, and go for a walk.  You just might find ideas for eHow articles along your way.