Have You Ever Wondered What to Write About?
It happens to me pretty much every morning.
I wake up feeling lost, watch one too many YouTube videos — usually about something stupid, like who would win in a fight, a Samurai vs a Knight — (Knight wins), and then finally force myself to sit in front of the computer.
Half of me hopes I’ll get distracted again, wanting to watch another video, and the other half hopes inspiration will strike.
Neither is likely, but still, I sit stuck.
Coffee buys me time. My cat buys me guilt — rubbing against my leg, demanding the affection I owe him. My phone sits just out of reach, silently screaming, “Pick me up. I’ll help you procrastinate.”
Five minutes pass. I cave in and grab my phone. Within seconds, I’m bombarded with content creators cranking out new material faster than factories in China crank out cheap toys.
Everyone’s got something to say, a niche they’ve nailed, a brand they’re building.
I frown and think:
I should be writing more comedy.
Maybe I should focus on something useful, like marketing advice… I can sell that.
What about personal development? I love that stuff.
And yet, I’m still sitting there, wondering what the hell I should write about without actually writing.
Recently, though, I’ve realized something: I don’t have a content strategy. And truthfully, I’ve never had one.
Because honestly? To hell with strategy.
To hell with formulas and rules and all the people telling you to niche down and “find your lane.”
It’s boring.
Repetitive.
And it feels about as authentic as a dating reality show without any fat people.
Instead, I’ve started asking how do I decide what I write about?
How do I come up with my ideas?
Then, the answer hit me, like my yearly insurance bill that needs to be paid in full.
I only write what I’m emotionally responding to.
It’s all about the feels
I believe writing is both a blessing and a curse.
The blessing is the blank page: total f*ckin’ freedom.
You can write anything.
Want to write a story about how the last sandwich you bought looked like someone sat on it?
Be my guest.
Want to write a story about how you accidentally told a Jehovah’s Witness to f*ck off?
Why not?
Want to write a story about being laid off?
Sure thing.
I’ve done all three.
You can write anything; it’s truly up to you.
But the curse?
It’s hard to know what to write about.
You can’t force yourself to feel inspired, much like you can’t force yourself to fall in love.
You can’t make yourself care about something just because it might get clicks or likes or whatever currency we’re using to measure self-worth these days.
For me, the process of writing is like a sailboat. You shove off from shore, full of hope, and then sit there, waiting for the wind to pick up.
At first, nothing happens. You get frustrated. You curse the sky. You question your choices. But just when you’re about to give up and paddle back, a gust of wind catches the sails. And suddenly, you’re moving.
That wind? It’s emotion.
Good writing, the kind that stays with people, always starts with emotion. It’s the writing that makes someone feel something — anything — long after they’ve put it down.
It’s the same feeling you get when a great movie ends, and the lights come up, and for a minute, you’re not sure where the screen stops, and real life begins. Writing should do that. It should linger.
So when I wonder what to write, I don’t think about trends or algorithms or the “best practices” I’m supposed to follow. I think about what I’m feeling.
Am I frustrated? Am I embarrassed? Am I in awe of something? That’s the spark that turns into authentic stories.
Forget niches. Forget formulas. Forget writing the same thing a thousand times because someone told you to.
Instead, mine your life for moments that make you feel something — anything. Go deep. Explore them. Figure out what makes you, well, you.
Because good writing — the kind that won’t get replaced by AI or forgotten five minutes later — is all about emotion.
So, what should you write about?
Anything that makes you feel.
Because if you’re feeling something, rest assured your audience will, too.
Never forget that the secret to good writing isn’t in the ‘what.’ It’s in the ‘why.’
And your why is waiting to be written, as long as you take the time to explore it.
Please like, comment, share, and tell me what you think! I might start offering a writing mentorship program. Please let me know if you would be interested.
I don’t have a niche or an idealized reader. I write what I feel like or feel about that day. I have been surprised at what does and does not appeal to readers. If we could predict, there would be more best sellers and less remainder books. I had a writing teacher who wrote a YA novel in the form of a seemingly never ending letter. Two years later I found dozens of them at give-away prices at mass book seller in the Shenandoah Valley. Given my opinion of the book, I can’t say that I was surprised.
I respect that about you – to me, being so niched, does make it easier for people to find you, but writing what makes you feel, makes whoever does like your writing, love it. It’s more artistic IMO. ANd that’s a wild concept for a book
Yea I love it .. cause I am so new to all this . But I do know min my head I got lots too talk about and lots of questions.. but I do know this is what I am currently interested in blogging , to advance in my writing skills and so much more . Ty . For reminding me I am not alone🥰
So happy it helped! Thanks for letting me know
Your best work. Excellent
Thank you so so much!
I used to think I’d have trouble finding things to write about. Your advice is spot on. If something I’m writing doesn’t strike an emotional chord with me—nostalgia, anger, happiness or sadness—it generally doesn’t get posted. Even reviews of books, movies or television shows.
I love that and respect that -it’s so much more real – appreciate you reading my friend
Ahh I love it! And it came at a time when I needed it. So, thank you for that. And did I tell you, you’re a brilliant writer? Love it! Thannnk you!
Thank you so much for the kind words, I loved reading this
Love this, Anthony! Well written. 👏👏
I write what I feel, if it makes my soul happy it’s done. 😊
You absolutely nailed it. For me writing is 33% emotion, 33% imagination and 33% opportunity. The left over 1% is for whatever else. Good point. Well done.
Thank you so much, love the break down
You’re quite welcome. And the end of my comment was “Good Post!” Sometimes my fingers don’t spell well. 😁
What if it’s Micheal Knight vs Samauri Jack? Or Bobby Knight vs Silver Samauri?
Never bet against samurai jack
i appreciate your thoughtful post today. since i finished the year’s worth of prompts, i notice i always have this question in the back of my mind. i value my writing streak so at this point, i find something of value (hopefully) to share everyday. i don’t have a niche either although i have a few broad categories i write about. great post. thank you.
So happy you enjoyed, appreciate you reading!! Prompts help a lot too I like those
Excellent article, Tony! My writing is never really planned out. The themes or ideas are what come to me each day, so that’s where I begin creating. Thanks for sharing some honest thoughts with us… please keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for the kind words – and I love that process, stay with it too
I am sitting at my computer, procrastinating. My second cup of coffee is feeding my soul. I tell myself that anytime now, I will start to write. I stare at the sunshine streaming through the yellow flowers on my table and remember they were a gift when I was sick. And I am writing…Thank you for your very pertinent blog. 🙂
This was lovely to read! I liked it a ton / thank you for reading and all the reading you do
This is an excellent post Tony. I have tried to write a novel many times and gotten stuck in the first paragraph as I had no motivation. This mixed in with always turning everything into rhymes has stopped me faster than a radar gun in Virginia. Your insight has opened my eyes. A mentorship sounds very interesting, if you decide to open this path please let me know. Thank you for a wonderful post.
Thank you so much my friend, the radar gun in Virginia made me laugh great analogy. Yes I will keep you posted and I appreciate your interest
Gobsmacked. This is exactly what I needed to hear. So much advice about author websites is about finding your tribe, v offering something in a niche. I think that niche will become evident but I’m going to take this post as permission to write in my unique voice about what in the culture moves me in some way. As a commenter says above, I’ll find out what connects.
Thanks for this, Tony. I read everything you post and always find it the real deal. No baloney.
A 65yo reader – writer
Thank you so so much! For me, my “niche” if I have one, did become clear that I mainly write, personal development, comedy and marketing advice, but I only discovered that after writing what I feel – but still on a day to day basis, I always start with what am I feeling
Keep writing, the best work comes when you’re having fun
THIS! I love this entire essay! Especially this part:
“Good writing, the kind that stays with people, always starts with emotion. It’s the writing that makes someone feel something — anything — long after they’ve put it down.
It’s the same feeling you get when a great movie ends, and the lights come up, and for a minute, you’re not sure where the screen stops, and real life begins. Writing should do that. It should linger.
So when I wonder what to write, I don’t think about trends or algorithms or the “best practices” I’m supposed to follow. I think about what I’m feeling.
Am I frustrated? Am I embarrassed? Am I in awe of something? That’s the spark that turns into authentic stories.”
I wish more people would write from their heart/gut/soul . . . I always want readers (and other writers) to feel something when they read what I share. If they’re not emoting, I’m not doing something right. Thank you for this!
Thank you so very much my friend!!
I want the same thang!!
You’re most welcome! My pleasure!
Its easy, if you have some interests or might find something around you, this would become a topic for you to right, if handled the right way
Absolutely!
Thank you for this post! It really spoke to me. Being a personal blogger can be difficult because it’s so broad, you know? Not really a niche and I can write about anything. It’s a bit overwhelming at times, but you are so spot on when you said you tend to write about emotion or with emotion because I said to myself “Hey, I do that too” lol. Great post!
So happy you do and thank you so much for reading!
I think I’ll go with that: write what I feel. Such a noble piece of advice, my friend 🌺
So happy you enjoyed, thank you for reading
Most obliged, my friend Anthony.
Totally agree. I don’t follow formulas or write for the market, and I don’t have a panic attack if I don’t write every day. I write when I feel I’ve got something to say. If it doesn’t work for the mass-market, too bad. Write what you feel, when you feel like it, is the only way to go, for me. 😊
Love that mindset! It’s mature and built for success! Thank you for reading!
yes. i also sometimes am inspired by that which terrifies me to have others read it
It sometimes does for me too- but it’s ok – everyone gets on with their own life
it’s a really powerful place to write from–if i can get past my fear, my vulnerability often connects with others in deep ways
I know what you mean!
I’ve been there, staring at the blank screen, hearing it scream at me to write something, anything.
Ahh yes, the sound we all know too well!!
I’m winging it daily, when I sit in front of the computer to write. I never truly know what to write. But I’ve told myself I was going to post consistently no matter what. Majority of my posts are sort of like a social media feed. It comes to me randomly as I’m sitting there. Although I’ve thought of 1 million things to write about when I’m not near a computer or phone. Lol. This was a good read! Have a great week!
Thank you so much, I’ve been there too
This is the best post I’ve read in a very long time. Every aspiring writer should read this piece.
Another good advice that I’ve read about getting rid of that blank page: just start writing anything, eventually you’ll come up with a thought or a valuable idea.
Also having no strategy: brilliant. Because in that way you’re open to anything new, which you would maybe discard otherwise. You’re doing an amazing job here Anthony 👍
Wow, thank you so much – I’m so happy you enjoyed -your comment made my day. And you’re right, when you’re open, it’s more freeing, you don’t have to feel confined which is nice – scary at first, but nice.
You’re right. Good writing is all about emotion. Anything that makes you feel. I like your idea of a writing mentorship program too.
Thank you so much!! I appreciate you letting me know, I might roll one out here soon
I realized while reading this that I do actually write from my emotions quite a lot. But I do have fallbacks for when I’m totally uninspired and I feel the need to publish something, anything. Then I turn to Weird Words or Thought for the Day. But for sure, I will pay more attention now that you’ve put it in print. 🙂
So happy it helped, thanks for letting me know!
Another “winging it daily” kind of person here. I find that if I am honest with myself. it flows. It may just be dark and cranky. It will either be joyous or veering toward dark and cranky. I only pick up new followers once in a blue moon. Partly because I don’t pander to audience tastes, write instructional / entertaining articles, and really I don’t put any effort into marketing round these parts because I don’t care. And then partly because if I am in a dark mood, many people don’t like that kind of content. They want to be inspired. The thing about being honest is key, I think. It’s like music. If we are moody and Soundgarden or Metallica is calling to us, we’re not going to get off on upbeat music like synthetic happy techno. Ha. Well maybe some people are like that but I can’t get into happy music if I am feeling dark. I feel like writing is that way.
I respect it! To me it just means you write honestly, and that’s a quality that shines through the paper – it’s a good thing!
You’ve nailed it! This is exactly what I always think about. In the end, I follow my heart and write about what feels most sensitive or closest to me. I’ve seen many people say that you need to write what others want to read, but I believe I write to share my own feelings. That way, when people read, they can feel the same emotions I’ve experienced. Thank you so much for this,it’s exactly what I needed to hear.
So happy it helped, keep writing
Wonderful ♥️
I absolutely live this read. I too had been feeling this way when planning content for my blog. It makes perfect sense to me to write when I am feeling emotions about something, which is being your authentic self. Thank you so much for sharing.
Respect
I can definitely understand how figuring out what to write about would be tough if writing were your career. Thankfully, I don’t rely on it for income, so for me, a blank page feels like freedom. Whatever’s on my mind throughout the day, once I get those first few sentences down, it just starts flowing and fuels the rest of my thoughts.
Not having inspiration to ink on paper is something common in the world of authors or bloggers so inorder to get inspired we tend to utilize different tactics. So running out of ideas when writing shouldn’t be something scary or something to worry about because at the end of the day we eventually write.
Hey. I’m new to blogging and I started my blog a while back. I wrote one post in the beginning of December last year, then Christmas came and everything. The other day I wrote again, but it is hard to find topics. You’re right about that.
My blog is anonymous of course. You can tell by my name 😂 but I want to keep my privacy, like so many writers do here. I write in my spare time, but I’d like to keep that and the blogging separate.
I found this post extremely inspiring, though so thank you.
I’m in love with this.
Just started my own blog and couldn’t write for a good amount of time because I was trying to pick a niche. This came at the right time so thank you so much.
And by the way, love the way your writing is so comedic and real. Keep it up
Thank you so so much! I appreciate you
Apart from the cat stuff, you described exactly what’s happening with me… 😅
I love this and it’s probably why I often choose not to write anything – just feels like white noise usually. Unfortunately, what I feel most often these days is anger and my thoughts would probably put me on a list somewhere – which is why I write songs instead. Thanks again for a great piece.
Hey nothing wrong with an angry song- I know we all love them! Thank you so much for reading, I appreciate you
I can relate to this, it feels terrible and I end up procrastinating, what should I even write and doubt sets in.
Thanks for this amazing message, it helps a lot.
You are an amazing writer…
Thank you so much, this made my day!
Great read! And thanks for liking my essay today.
The sailboat. Perfect. Some days the wind just doesn’t blow, and I’m learning to be just fine with that.
I have two blogs, and WHAT they are, map out what I write on them. One blog is a book review blog, so I review the eclectic list of books I read. The other blog is given over to sharing thoughts on my daily reading through the Bible. I don’t have tons of readers, and I don’t make money on either blog. (Well, a free book to review now and then.) That’s okay. I’m cool with where I am.
Best of luck and success on YOUR writing.
Thank you so much! Much success to you!
During my childhood, I wrote so much.
I wrote poetry, songs, scripts, and journaled.
As I became an adult, I noticed how out of touch I became throughout the years and truly felt as though I lost my creative flow.
For so many years, I wondered when I would get my spirit back.
Reading this post reminded me of that dark time. Not in a bad way of course lol
I wrote many subjects but I love topics on AI, IoT and tech related. Sometimes about entrepreneurship journey.
Then you should write about that – that’s awesome!
Yes exactly! That is the true meaning of literature, not the quantity but the quality! Something to entertain, to evoke feelings and thoughts, all at the same time! Great advice man!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading
Charles Bukowski’s work inspired me the most ~ and I still hold his words closely. If one has to search for words or to rewrite again & again ~ they are not a natural is what he claims. That is why I never create an urge to write, instead write when I feel ~ because that will be the best one could put out. Glad to see you resonating with the same! Cheers!
𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞