I Want to Write, But What Should I Say?
More and more bloggers are discovering that coming up with topics to write about on a consistent basis is as easy as learning a new technology without having anything to apply it to. They may resort to apologizing for not blogging or using the 'having nothing to write about' cliche as a topic itself (which may be as cheesy as a blog entry about how to choose a topic to write about).
On the same note, the first obstacle many would-be book and article authors face is finding a topic to write about (although we know that many writers can spew words for pages without saying really anything at all. We're above that though).
So, if you're one of these potential tech authors looking to break through that first obstacle, here are some ways to begin finding that elusive topic.
1) The best ideas draw upon experience. Use an application or system you have developed as a basis for an idea.
2) Take an existing application or technology and write an article on how to extend or improve it or build upon it.
3) Check the blogs and discussion lists to see what developers and/or customers are having trouble with or what seems to be a popular topic. What angle hasn't been covered yet? Are they missing the point about a particular technology? Does something seem confusing that needs clarification?
4) What have you read lately? Has a book or article (or anything) changed the way you approach or solve a computing problem? Talk about it with your real-world example. Can you present a better solution or approach than the book or article offers?
5) Take two completely different gadgets, systems, etc. and try connecting them (to create something useful).
6) The old standby. Take that hunch or premise burning in your head and try proving it.
These are just a few ideas off the top of my head. If writers out there have other methods for finding article topics, do share.