How to Choose a Topic to Write About in 4 Easy Steps
Recently on my IG stories, I asked what was one thing people struggle with the most when it comes to writing. A top recurring response was "deciding what to write about".
Many folks find themselves being intimidated by writing because they don't know where the hell to even start. And without a starting point, you're pretty much stuck in limbo. Which is not a very fun place to be.
Whether you're writing an article, blog post, essay for school, a short story or book, the key to writing anything is first choosing a topic to write about. Even if you're a YouTuber or podcaster, choosing topics to discuss on your channel is essential to producing quality content.
So, here's how you get started:
1. Brainstorm topic ideas.
The first thing I do before I start writing anything is write out a list of topic ideas. When brainstorming your ideas, take about 20-30 minutes to write down any and everything that comes to mind. The key is to identify which topic(s) pique your interest enough to write or talk about.
2. Identify your topic(s) of interest.
Now that you've written out your list, select the topics that you're most interested in or passionate about -- keyword: YOU. Many people have a tendency to choose topics that they believe others will find interesting, which is the wrong mindset to have when it comes to creating content. Instead, focus on topics that you feel you would be comfortable writing about. I always find that the most interesting, valuable content is when the person knows what they're writing/talking about.
3. Do some research.
Even if you're already knowledgeable on the topic(s) you've chosen, still do your research. I am ALWAYS reading articles and books about writing to help me enhance my knowledge and hone my craft. Topic research helps you know what type of information is already available on the subject and if there's an area that hasn't been tapped into yet (which can give you even more of an angle for your topic!)
4. Choose your topic.
Once you've done your research, select the topic you feel the most confident writing about. Before you begin writing, you may want to develop an outline to frame how you want your writing to flow.
I'll dive more into topic outlining in a future post, but in the meantime, if you're having trouble finding a starting point with your writing, try putting this article to action and share your progress with me in the comments below!