University Writing Center
“Because writers need readers”
Cavanaugh Hall 427
(317)274-2049
University Library 2125
(317)278-8171
http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/uwc/
Generating Ideas for Writing
A common problem facing many college writers is the challenge of getting ideas to flow. Sometimes, selecting a
research topic or narrowing a topic into a thesis can be the most daunting task a writer will confront. In order for a
writer to become immersed in a piece of writing, it is important for the subject of the writing to be
interesting/important to the writer. The goal of this handout is to demonstrate ways to focus on a topic, which will
improve your writing, and, above all, even make writing enjoyable.
Starter Tips for Generating Ideas
Relax!
Remember, the initial stages of any piece of writing should be low-pressure and low-stakes. Don’t get hung up on
finding the perfect idea right away. This is the time to meditate upon what you want your writing to say, not the time
to generate a perfect piece of writing.
Give Yourself TIME
Work on your ideas early so you have plenty of time to think about and revise your topic before the deadline hits.
Despite what some people say about doing their best work under pressure, last-minute writing usually generates
underdeveloped ideas.
Have Realistic Expectations
Be sure that you are taking on a task that fits the nature of your writing. If you only have two weeks to write a
research paper, you probably will not be able to solve world hunger. Don’t limit your ideas, but keep them focused
and to the point.
Turn OFF Spell/Grammar Check
Just about any professional writer, teacher, or professor will tell you that the spell/grammar check features on word
processors will inhibit the free flow of ideas while writing. When errors in spelling and grammar are highlighted
they become extremely distracting and often tempt the writer to stop and correct them on the spot. Then the writer's
mind is likely to lose track of the original idea he/she was working on. Things like spelling mistakes should be fixed
at the end of the writing process, not at the beginning, so turn the spell check on after you are finished drafting.
Talk About Your Ideas
Sometimes writers hit roadblocks when generating ideas because they have done all of the thinking about their
topics by themselves. Often, the best way for writers to determine how they feel about a subject is to talk about it
with other people. Talk with a writing tutor, friend, family member, or professor. In fact, some of the most profitable
writing center sessions involve little writing and a lot of talking. The people you talk to may have a different point of
view that makes you view your writing from a new perspective, or they may agree with you and reinforce ideas you
may have been uncertain about. If they don’t understand a word of what you’re saying, you probably need to
reorganize or clarify some main points.
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Questioning
The foundation of good research is a good question. A series of questions can generate a topic from just about any
concept, object, place, or person. This method is especially effective when used by a group of people, but it can
work for individuals as well. Let's say you have an object, such as a water bottle. Begin writing down questions
about the water bottle: Where was it made? How much can it hold? What type of plastic is it made of? As you run
out of simple questions to ask, your questions should begin to deepen in meaning and significance: How many
gallons of water did it take to make the plastic for the water bottle? Does the bottling company use environmentally
safe practices? When did modern people decide to stop drinking tap water? Is bottled water safer than tap water?
These deeper questions can be great starting points for a short story, an interesting research paper, or even new
research!
Brainstorming
Most people have used brainstorming for one reason or another, and it is a great technique to generate ideas for
writing. Brainstorming is a form of free-writing, but it is more like making a list of ideas. Perhaps you have a broad
topic in mind, but you need to narrow it down. Or, maybe you just need a place to get started with your writing. Start
by making a list of everything you already know about your topic, or, if you don’t have a topic just start making a
list in general. Spend only a few minutes getting ideas out. The topics on your list might be more closely related
than you think--look for connections that might create a deeper subject worth writing about.
Free-writing/ Looping
Free-writing is simply writing whatever comes to your head at the moment. You should write continuously for a
period of 5-10 minutes. This is a great practice if you are having trouble getting started. Write by hand or on a
computer, writing whatever comes to mind. It might seem strange at first, but just start writing and don’t stop. If you
already have a particular subject in mind, write down everything you know about that subject. Write down any
questions you have about your subject. Try not to worry about spelling, punctuation, or fluency. The goal of a freewriting session is to get out ideas, not to produce a polished piece of writing. Looping is a form of free-writing that
focuses your ideas. Free-write for five minutes, then spend a few minutes looking for common themes within the
free-write. Then free-write about those linked themes. Continue this process until you feel that your ideas are
narrowed and focused enough to start moving to the next stage of writing.
"Blind" Free-writing
Blind free-writing takes the free-writing process to an extreme level. Basically, do the same thing as in a normal
free-writing session, but turn off your computer monitor or cover your eyes. Writing without seeing text puts less
emphasis on things like spelling and word choice and more on the outward flow of ideas. When you can't see the
spelling mistakes, you don't worry about them. Blind free-writing is an excellent way to feel uninhibited about
typing whatever comes to mind. It can even be rather cathartic.
Other Resources/Tools for Generating Ideas
There are a number of resources available on the internet that can help generate ideas and reduce distractions that
inhibit the writing process. Word processors like Write Monkey, OmmWriter, and Q10 are free to download and
offer distraction-free writing templates that keep the writer focused. Websites like writeordie.com actually force the
writer to write continuously for a chosen amount of time or the website will actually begin deleting your writing.
These sites shouldn’t be used for high-stakes writing, but they are a great practice tool for learning to free-write
effectively.
Created Fall 2011 by Al Hoffmann
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SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
University Writing Center
IUPUI
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