Guest Author - Pamela Blackmon

Tired of seeing your reflection in your computer screen every time you sit down to write articles for your newsletter? You’re not alone. Try chasing your writer’s block away with one of the following five idea generators:

Your Target Audience. What do your clients ask you about most? For every one who actually asks, dozens more probably want the answer. Take note of their questions and turn the answers into an article. If the topic is too broad to cover in one issue, consider breaking it into highly anticipated parts.

Get crazy. Sponsor an easy contest to spur response—a small discount on their next product or service should do it.

An “Idea” Tickler File. Isn’t it funny how you think of the greatest ideas when you’re stuck in the Post office line or flying down the highway headed to work? Salvage those ideas by keeping a small notebook handy or speaking them into the voice memo section on your cell phone or PDA.

Once you get back to your desk, transfer the idea to your tracking system such as an Excel spreadsheet , Word file or the always trusty index card system. What you use isn’t as important as that you have an organized way of tracking your ideas.


Industry Web sites and Publications. Nearly every industry has a trade association or organization associated with it. Check out the web site and publications for yours to stay abreast of the latest happenings in your field. Join its newsletter distribution list. Think about how to make that information relevant for your publication.

Some associations allow you to reprint relevant articles, either for a fee or a link to their web site. Others may only ask that the article be reprinted in its entirety and credit be given to them as the original author.

Whatever you do, don’t plagiarize. Even if you write an article on the same subject featured elsewhere, be sure the content is yours alone.

Article Web Sites. A simple web search will pull up a host of sites filled with articles on nearly every subject. While some specialize in marketing or business related topics, many offer a broad spectrum of copy designed to inform readers about everything from apples to zebras. Check out their Terms of Use and follow them closely.

Keep in mind, however, that these articles are available to your competitors too. Again, it’s best to use only original content geared specifically toward your readership.

Google. Now that the word is a verb, it really goes without saying that you’ll want to do an Internet search on your subject using your favorite search engine to troll for ideas.

Finally, one of the best favors you can do yourself as an ezine editor is to write a few articles in advance for the time when you’re in a crunch and don’t have time to write a new article. You’ll be grateful you did.