How To Never Run Out of Story (or Content) Ideas

99% of writers are not using this hack to get unlimited ideas and questions on any topic or subject.

You've been stuck on a blank page before.

You were probably wondering what your next book chapter was going to be about or what your next big story idea was going to be.

Maybe you are currently lacking inspiration on what content to create next for your audience.

Or maybe you just want to learn how to understand a complex topic in the easiest manner possible or in a very short time.

I have a simple hack that will keep you inspired every single time, regardless of the topic or the severity of the "writer's block" you're facing, because it will help you to always ask the right questions.

I introduce to you, The 8 Elements of Reasoning.

These elements, which are – Facts, Purpose, Question, Concepts, Conclusions, Point-of-View, Assumptions and Consequences, can be used to dig deep into topic because the answers to the questions they pose will break the topic into smaller bits that are easier to understand.

Let's see them in action:

The 8 Elements of Reasoning for Storytellers

(We'll be using a story on Memory Manipulation as an example.)

- Facts:

"What real-world facts or laws can I build on or bend in this story?"

Think about how you can twist the truth to serve your narrative. Real-world rules, whether scientific, cultural, or social, will always be the backbone of your plot. So, what happens if you decide to alter them?

Example: Today in 2024, memory manipulation is still in the research phase. But your story can be set in 2037, when the technology needed to erase or alter memories could now be in existence.

- Purpose:

"What is my purpose for telling this story?"

Every story needs a "why?" A reason for existing. Understanding your why gives you direction and helps you keep your ideas focused. What exactly do you want your audience to walk away with?

Example: Maybe your story wants to explore how messing with memories can lead to a loss of personal identity or the price to pay if we were to lose touch with our past.

- Question:

"What 'what if' question(s) can I explore in this story?"

This is where your creativity gets the chance to thrive. The more times you ask, the more things you discover. What if the technology fails? What if a single event changes everything for your character?

Example: What if the government erases the memories of all the citizens of the country and only one person is left that can remember his/her past?

- Concepts:

"What themes serve as the foundation of this story?"

Whether it’s love, loss, revenge, or redemption, themes provide depth to your story. What ideas will anchor your plot and provide deeper layers to your narrative?

Example: The themes of a search for belonging, power and free will can serve as the foundation of your story on memory manipulation and identity loss.

- Conclusions:

"What truths will this story reveal to the reader at the end?"

Every story has a message. It could be a lesson, an emotional truth, or a moral quandary. What do you want your readers to understand by the time they reach the last page of your story?

Example: Your story can conclude that our memories shape who we are and without them, we lose our identity.

- Point-of-View:

"Whose eyes or perspective would best tell this story?"

The right perspective can change the whole vibe of your story. Who reveals the events of the story to your reader? Who sees things differently? Whose voice would make the narrative more intriguing?

Example: Your story can be told from the perspective of a memory specialist who begins to have flashbacks of their erased past.

- Assumptions:

"What are the things I’m taking for granted in this story?"

Assumptions serve as blind spots in your plot. What are you assuming that your readers will accept without question? Are there other ways to challenge or question these assumptions?

Example: You might assume that memory manipulation is always harmful and that people will fight to keep their memories, but what if people start willingly giving up their past in your story?

- Consequences:

"If a certain event happens, what are the implications for the world or the characters in this story?"

Every action has a corresponding reaction. What are the ripple effects of character decisions on your plot? Every choice your characters make must affect the story in a reasonable proportion.

Example: You can set up your story in a way that if the erased memories are restored, society will collapse or the protagonist may completely lose their identity & sanity.

By asking the right questions, you will always generate more questions.

And the more questions you ask; the more answers you will get.

Then those answers serve as the seeds of your next big idea.

More questions = More answers.

More answers = More ideas.

More ideas = More writing.

How To Use This Method to Create Unlimited Ideas For Your Story

To never run out of questions, apply these elements to each other to keep generating new ideas.

Let’s look at Assumptions, for example. Simply ask:

• What fact is connected to the assumptions in this story?
• What purpose does this assumption serve?
• What question can I ask about this assumption?

And so on.

By doing this, you'll create a never-ending loop of fresh perspectives and new ideas.

Sort of like hitting refresh on your creativity.

How Content Creators Can Use This Hack to Generate Endless Ideas

Here's how Content Creators, Social Media Managers and Creatives can use the 8 Elements of Reasoning to consistently generate fresh ideas for their niche:

1. Facts: Ask "What are the real-world facts or trending topics in my niche?"
2. Purpose: Ask "Who am I creating this content for and what is the point of my message?"
3. Question: Explore "what if" scenarios to challenge conventional thoughts in your niche.
4. Concepts: Ask "What are the topics in my niche that my audience really enjoys?"
5. Conclusions: Ask "What one lesson do I want my audience to learn from this piece?"
6. Point of View: Ask "What angle would be best for me to approach this topic with?"
7. Assumptions: Ask "What am I taking for granted in the topics under my niche?"
8. Consequences: Ask "What is the impact my content can have on my audience?"

By applying these questions, you can continuously come up with relevant and engaging ideas for creating content while avoiding burnout and keeping your output fresh and diverse.

Never Run Out of Things to Write

Once you master how to apply this hack properly and ask the proper questions, you’ll quickly realise that there’s always something more to discover and write about.

No more excuses.

No more blank pages.

No more creative frustration.

Use the 8 Elements of Reasoning every day and never worry about running out of ideas again.

What question are you asking next?

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