Do You Find It Difficult To Find Topics To Write About?

By Jabo
@jaboUK (55200)
United Kingdom
December 14, 2016 4:08pm CST
I think that the lack of topics to write about is an issue which affects most of us at one time or another, but how do you deal with it? I've read that some people really have to apply themselves in order to write something interesting, and so it becomes a form of 'work'. I do the opposite - if posting doesn't come easily for me I just don't do it. I'm here to enjoy myself, so I don't put myself under any pressure to write anything. This approach means that I don't write that often, but has the added bonus of each post getting more attention than if I were to churn out multiple posts per day. I realise that I don't earn as much as the more prolific myLotters, but quite honestly earnings are so small anyway that it doesn't bother me. I know that for some of you the actual process of forcing yourself to write unlocks the floodgates, so to speak. As in a lot of things, taking that first step is the hardest part, but personally I prefer to wait until topics present themselves to me. What is your approach? Do you force yourself to write? Photo is mine.
69 people like this
77 responses
@amadeo (76025)
• United States
14 Dec 16
No like I metioned before.Do write a topic and think of a word and work it from there.Any words you can do it. Christmas,Love,hate,cherish there is a lot to write.
9 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@amadeo I'm glad that works for you, but I usually need more than a word.
2 people like this
@amadeo (76025)
• United States
14 Dec 16
@jaboUK I am sure you can come up with something.You are a good writer here and one of the best.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@amadeo Thanks. I do come up with plenty of stuff, but not by forcing myself.
2 people like this
@Asylum (48223)
• Manchester, England
14 Dec 16
I share your approach. If a topic crops up then writing about it is easy, whereas if no topics come to me then I simply read and respond to others' discussions.
9 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@Asylum Kindred spirits
1 person likes this
@Asylum (48223)
• Manchester, England
14 Dec 16
@jaboUK It is the only way to use and enjoy Mylot, as we both appear to know.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (137302)
• Bunbury, Australia
15 Dec 16
I don't force myself but usually something pops up - often just when I think I have nothing to write about. I might be a bit stuck and there will be an interesting news item and I'm off again. My last resort is usually to go through our files of photos looking for something interesting.
6 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@JudyEv You are lucky in that your life and location are completely different from most other people's on here, so we usually find your posts interesting.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (137302)
• Bunbury, Australia
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK That's very true although I try not to make a welter of the Australian stuff - or perhaps I do. And having Herc rather than a cat or dog is useful too. :)
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@JudyEv Oh yes, Herc is in a league of his own as far as pets are concerned.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (43124)
• El Paso, Texas
14 Dec 16
That is a magnificent photo. Wow. I do the same with photography, often there's nothing to shoot then all of a sudden there's more than I know what to do with ..... of course I am inspired by old stuff to show off so I just have to write if I find something of interest, well, to me at least
5 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@rebelann You have a passion for photography and it comes across in your posts. This makes it interesting to others like me who haven't got much of a clue when it comes to a camera. That's my point really - if people write about something they aren't really interested in, how can they expect to capture the interest of others?
4 people like this
@rebelann (43124)
• El Paso, Texas
15 Dec 16
Yes, I do see your point @jaboUK Have you noticed that most all your discussions make the top spot on any list? You never bore us.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@rebelann I'm glad that you don't find me boring
1 person likes this
@DianneN (88048)
• United States
15 Dec 16
I'm more of a talker, and write what pops into my mind. I never considered myself a writer. Being a gabber, I don't have a problem creating discussions. They may not be that interesting, but I enjoy being here. I wish I had more time for myLot. I've had a busy time the last few months, and with Florida and my son's wedding around the corner, I won't be here as often as I would like. Lovely photo. Was it taken in Spain?
5 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@DianneN The photo was taken in my garden here in England. I'm not much of a talker, but I don't consider myself a writer either. Your discussions are always interesting Dianne, and you write like you are chatting to us.
3 people like this
@DianneN (88048)
• United States
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK And you write like a writer! . Thank you! Another beautiful view from your beautiful garden!
2 people like this
@DianneN (88048)
• United States
16 Dec 16
@HAPPSINGH I love it here, but wish I had more time to spare!
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (42070)
• Denver, Colorado
15 Dec 16
No, only because I'm always doing music series, so I always have something to write about.
5 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@teamfreak16 I've noticed that you do a lot of music series, but I should think you have a limited readership for them?
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (42070)
• Denver, Colorado
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK - Most definitely. But I pretty much do them for my own amusement anyway.
3 people like this
@JohnRoberts (65232)
• Los Angeles, California
14 Dec 16
Once you relax your mind, there is always something to write about. Talk about a movie you just watched or a book you read or about your favorite sports team. Mention your favorite singer or TV show.
5 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@JohnRoberts Lol - all those topics you mention I find boring. I would rather read about personal lives, not people commenting on movies or TV shows etc. that I have zero interest in. However I know that a lot of people do find them interesting.
6 people like this
@LadyDuck (182873)
• Switzerland
15 Dec 16
I have exactly your same approach. If during the day there is something that comes to my mind that I judge interesting to write and share I do. If not, I do not write. myLot must not be a job, it's only a place where to have some fun.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@LadyDuck You've hit the nail on the head Anna - this isn't a job. If we put ourselves under pressure to write that would take the enjoyment away.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (182873)
• Switzerland
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK This is my feeling, I do not want to feel obliged I write something every day or to spend hours online. This site must remain a hobby and a pleasure.
1 person likes this
• United States Minor Outlying Islands
15 Dec 16
exactly! :)
2 people like this
• Jacksonville, Florida
14 Dec 16
I only write about my personal life usually so it doesn't take a whole lot of thought to come up with something. Usually there is something going on in my life that I want to write about-either to vent or to let everyone know how things are going here. =)
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@LovingMyBabies I find personal stories far more interesting than re-hashed news stories or film reviews etc.
3 people like this
• Jacksonville, Florida
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK I absolutely agree! =)
2 people like this
• Philippines
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK when news stories are shared, there are two thing i'd like to know: where it came (even if it's just a mention of 'i read it in our newspaper or someone passed this on to me') from, and (which is i think is more important) what do they think of that news story that made them want to share it here. it must have struck a chord in them.
2 people like this
• China
15 Dec 16
Here I have started miserably few posts,because I have difficult in writing in English about whatever topics that occur to me,so I leave it alone and don't push myself into writing.It is a good job Mylot hasn't made a stiff regulation on how many posts we have to start one month or one year.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@changjiangzhibin89 As you are such a faithful commenter I often check your page to see if you've written anything new, but I do understand how difficult writing in another language must be. I must say that I wouldn't know that English wasn't your first langage,- your responses are always well expressed and well thought out.
2 people like this
• Eugene, Oregon
15 Dec 16
I agree with @jaboUK. It is always nice to read your comments.
2 people like this
• China
17 Dec 16
@jaboUK Thank you for your encouragement! I always carefully read the posts that interest me ,look up dictionary now and then when I encounter some words I don't understand,even take down some idioms.I don't care about the time that takes.
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (13937)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
I rarely write my own discussions. If I was to start I've got over 100 titles written down as when I think of something I write it...that's a couple of years worth of discussions. Many think you have to write your own discussions in order to reach payout or even earn and that isn't the case.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@Mike197602 Yes, I'm aware of your modus operandi Mike, and of course it's possible to earn without posting. I will say though that I earn far more when I do have a current post.
3 people like this
@Mike197602 (13937)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@jaboUK earnings are certainly faster with your own discussion...but if I get a lot of responses I eventually get bored saying more or less the same old thing.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@Mike197602 Yes, it can be a problem thinking of different replies.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (34201)
• Canada
14 Dec 16
I agree with you, and maybe that is why I am not posting as much as some do. I do enjoy reading, but have been so busy the past few months that I don't have the time to spend on the site that I used to. Today I wrote about what I have a passion for, baking, shopping and for watching our fish out in the pond-what a combination!
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@Juliaacv Hi Julia - if you write about things you have a passion for then you are bound to capture the interest of your readers. I think if people write just for the sake of it they are in danger of being boring. I'm not on here so much either, but now I'm off to read your post.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (104265)
• United States
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK Actually I tend to get passionate about my work, but since I work with mentally challenged students or in the past adult disabled, I cannot write about them as that would violate confidentiality. I love my students and I like being a helper (most days).
2 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@GardenGerty i understand about the confidentiality Heather, but what you do write is generally interesting.
@jstory07 (71338)
• Roseburg, Oregon
15 Dec 16
I never have any trouble coming up with something to write about. I am always reading so I always have things to write about.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@jstory07 Yes you are quite prolific here, aren't you? A lot of your articles are informative too.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (71338)
• Roseburg, Oregon
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK I try thank you.
2 people like this
15 Dec 16
I tend to write about just the happenings in my life which are often very run of the mill things. I don't write often enough anymore
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@jillybean1222 Run of the mill can be good. They do say to write what you know.
@Jackalyn (7214)
• Oxford, England
14 Dec 16
I have more a problem reigning myself in. I am rarely stuck for words.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@Jackalyn That's good that the words flow naturally for you.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (33054)
• Philippines
15 Dec 16
i have a lot of topics, and pictures too. i have the opening lines ... then i get stuck and don't know how to proceed.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@hereandthere Funny how we're all different - once I have a topic I usually sail away, then end up having to cut half of it out as it would be too long for a site like this.
2 people like this
• Philippines
16 Dec 16
@jaboUK maybe it's a mix of everything, being a non-native speaker, how to explain things clearly, and why i'm writing and sharing something in the first place.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
16 Dec 16
@hereandthere I understand, and I can only guess what it must be like writing in a language that is foreign to you. No-one would guess that you aren't a native English speaker from your posts.
2 people like this
@annierose (18021)
• Philippines
15 Dec 16
I remember I made a challenge myself to start a topic here in Mylot for 31 days. It was just for fun since I know I really could not earn that big here. I was able to do it successfully. When I think that I am running out of topic, I am going to surf and read the internet to get some ideas. So, I think it is possible. I have also learned that what we call "writer's block" is just a myth.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@annierose Writer's block a myth? I'm not sure that I can agree with that. If you don't mind me asking, did you earn a lot more when you did those 31 posts, as compared with your normal way of doing things?
1 person likes this
@annierose (18021)
• Philippines
16 Dec 16
@jaboUK Yes, I earned faster because I wrote every day. And when I had the time, I also participated in other's discussions as well. I just tested my limit if I really could do it for 31 days and yes, it was a success.
1 person likes this
@annierose (18021)
• Philippines
16 Dec 16
@HAPPSINGH Yes, I think so it is just a myth.
@allknowing (70861)
• India
14 Dec 16
I have to restrain myself lest I should come under the category of 'those churning multiple posts per day (lol)
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 16
@allknowing I didn't say that there was anything wrong with posting multiple times a day, it's just not for me,
3 people like this
@allknowing (70861)
• India
14 Dec 16
@jaboUK There is. The recent discussions tab would be flooded with those kind of posts
1 person likes this
• Pamplona, Spain
15 Dec 16
I don´t post a lot either as you can tell. I have just the right amount of time to get anything done and so I don´t have much time to think of topics not that I cannot think of them. I have about twenty going round my head right now.
2 people like this
@shaynas (5527)
• India
15 Dec 16
I do. I really need to think what i can write about :)
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@shaynas it's better if you can wait until something occurs to you naturally.
1 person likes this
@shaynas (5527)
• India
15 Dec 16
@jaboUK Yeah..dt is the best way!
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (84830)
• Philippines
15 Dec 16
I find so much happiness when i see my post gets more than 15 responses much more land the Top Rated Discussions. So , i only post once a day . Although , even if it's just once a day sometimes , i sometimes don't know what topic to make , though when that happens i just interact more .
3 people like this
@jaboUK (55200)
• United Kingdom
15 Dec 16
@SIMPLYD Yes, if you post more than once a day the comments will be spread between them, whereas if you only do one that's the one people will read. I often interact without putting a post up.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (84830)
• Philippines
16 Dec 16
@jaboUK It's not enjoyable when your post gets dismal responses.
1 person likes this
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