Things to Write About: Fresh Ideas to Ignite Nonfiction Writers’ Minds

Welcome to the exhilarating world of words, where ideas and stories are brought to life through the power of the written word.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced the dreaded writer’s block–the seemingly insurmountable wall that stands between you and the flow of creative juices.

It’s a common predicament, and even the most seasoned writers can find themselves grappling with it from time to time. But fear not, for you have stumbled upon a treasure trove of inspiration!

This blog post is your one-stop shop for an array of nonfiction topics and ideas that’ll ignite your imagination and help you break free from the shackles of writer’s block.

Our aim is to guide you on a journey through the vast landscape of nonfiction writing, introducing you to potential subjects and themes that you may not have considered before.

By exploring these possibilities, you’ll not only discover new areas of interest but also learn to see the world from different perspectives, enriching both your writing and your life.

From history and biographies to health and wellness, from interviews and profiles to reviews and recommendations, there’s something here for everyone.

And while this list is extensive, it’s by no means exhaustive. So, as you read through these suggestions, remember that they’re merely a starting point–a springboard from which you can dive into the boundless ocean of ideas that awaits you.

So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through the many things to write about when inspiration seems to be playing hide-and-seek.

Let’s begin our journey with:

Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

In this section, we’ll delve into the world of personal experiences and anecdotes–a goldmine for nonfiction writers. By drawing from your own life stories and those of the people around you, you can create unique, relatable, and compelling content.

So, let’s uncover the hidden gems in everyday life and transform them into captivating narratives for your readers to enjoy. For example, you could write about:

Your own life stories

Think back on the memorable moments, challenges, and successes you’ve faced. These stories can be a treasure trove of inspiration for your writing.

Lessons learned from family and friends

Your family and friends have unique perspectives and experiences. Chat with them and listen to their stories. You might find valuable life lessons or intriguing anecdotes that can spark your next nonfiction piece.

Travel experiences and cultural encounters

Travel broadens the mind, and you can bring that richness to your writing. Share your travel stories or cultural encounters that have left an impression on you. These tales can provide your readers with a glimpse into different worlds and perspectives.

Current Events and Social Issues

Next, we’ll explore how keeping your finger on the pulse of local and global happenings can provide a wealth of engaging material for your nonfiction writing.

From politics to environmental concerns, there’s always something newsworthy to discuss. Here are some areas you could focus on:

Local and global news

Stay up to date with the news, both locally and globally. Writing about current events can engage readers and provide timely, relevant information. Plus, you’ll never run out of topics!

Social and political discussions

Controversial or thought-provoking issues always make for engaging reads. You can tackle these topics from your perspective or provide an unbiased analysis. Remember, however, to do thorough research and ensure your content is accurate and trustworthy.

Environmental and sustainability topics

With growing concerns about the environment and sustainability, there’s no shortage of topics to write about. Explore green initiatives, conservation efforts, or climate change, and help raise awareness through your writing.

History and Biographies

Let’s now step into the fascinating world of history and biographies, where you can uncover the captivating stories of the past and the remarkable individuals who’ve shaped our world.

These tales can breathe life into your nonfiction writing by unlocking the power of history to create engaging narratives that resonate with readers of all ages, offering them a mix of inspiration, education, and entertainment. You can begin by looking into:

Fascinating historical events

History is full of incredible stories just waiting to be retold. Dig into the past, find a captivating event, and bring it to life for your readers. You might even uncover new perspectives along the way.

Biographies of inspiring individuals

People love to learn about the lives of those who’ve made a difference. Write about remarkable individuals–from famous figures to unsung heroes–and share their inspiring journeys with the world.

Lesser-known stories from the past

Unearth lesser-known tales from history that deserve the spotlight. These stories can pique readers’ curiosity and provide them with fresh, exciting content.

Science, Technology, and Innovation

You can also embark on a thrilling voyage into the realm of science, technology, and innovation, where groundbreaking discoveries and cutting-edge advancements continually reshape our understanding of the world. There are a myriad of topics and stories you could delve in here, including:

The latest scientific discoveries

Stay on top of the latest scientific breakthroughs and share them with your readers. These discoveries can spark interest, ignite debates, and even inspire future innovations.

Technological advancements and their impact

Technology is always evolving, and its impact on our lives is undeniable. Discuss the latest tech trends, their benefits, and potential drawbacks. This will keep readers informed and encourage thoughtful conversations.

Innovative ideas and their origin stories

Behind every innovation lies a fascinating story. Explore the origins of groundbreaking ideas, explore the minds of their creators, and share these stories with your readers. You might even inspire the next big thing!

Health, Wellness, and Self-Improvement

This is an area of great popular interest and a great source of nonfiction writing ideas to pursue. Here, you can empower your readers with valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that can foster positive change. Some areas to look into are:

Physical and mental health topics

Health and wellness are always in demand. Write about various aspects of physical and mental health, share tips and advice, or explore alternative treatments–just make sure to do your research and provide accurate, reliable information.

Personal development and self-improvement tips

We all want to be the best versions of ourselves. Share self-improvement tips and strategies that have worked for you or others. Help your readers grow and develop by offering them practical, actionable advice.

Alternative medicine and holistic approaches

The world of alternative medicine and holistic health is vast and ever-growing. Explore different healing modalities, traditional practices, or cutting-edge therapies. This can offer readers new perspectives on their health and well-being.

Hobbies and Interests

In this section, you can explore an ever-growing mix of activities and pursuits, from niche interests to popular pastimes, where you can share your expertise through how-to guides, workbooks and tutorials:

Exploring niche interests and passions

Everyone has unique interests and passions. Delve into the world of niche hobbies or subcultures, and share your findings with your readers. You might even discover a new passion yourself!

How-to guides and tutorials

People love learning new skills, so why not share your expertise? Write how-to guides or tutorials on a topic you’re knowledgeable about. This type of content is not only informative but also highly engaging.

Profiles of hobbyist communities

Hobbyist communities can be fascinating and diverse. Write about different groups, their activities, and what drives them. Your readers will appreciate the glimpse into these unique worlds.

Interviews and Profiles

Finally, there’s the art of conversation, where you can learn from the experiences of local entrepreneurs and shine a light on inspiring community projects, creating engaging nonfiction content that celebrates the lives and stories of others:

Conversations with interesting people

There’s nothing like a good conversation to spark inspiration. Interview interesting people from various walks of life and share their stories and insights with your readers.

Profiling local businesses and entrepreneurs

Shine a light on the people behind the businesses in your community. Write about their entrepreneurial journeys, their challenges, and their successes. These stories can inspire and educate your readers.

Showcasing inspiring community projects

Every community has its share of inspiring projects and initiatives. Write about these efforts, the people behind them, and their impact. Your readers will appreciate the uplifting content–it might even motivate them to get involved.

Wrapping Things Up

The key takeaway here is that finding inspiration is an ongoing process. It requires curiosity, an open mind, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Embrace the journey and see where it takes you.

Experiment with different topics and styles and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. In doing so, you’ll not only grow as a writer but also create captivating content that resonates with your readers.

Remember that inspiration can strike when you least expect it. Keep your eyes and ears open, and always be ready to seize those unexpected moments of creativity.

Carry a notebook or use your smartphone to jot down ideas as they come, and revisit them when you need a spark of inspiration.

By exploring the world around you and staying curious, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of fascinating things to write nonfiction about.

So, take a deep breath, grab your pen (or keyboard), and let the adventure begin!

Harry Wallett is the Managing Director of Cascadia Author Services. He has a decade of experience as the Founder and Managing Director of Relay Publishing, which has sold over 3 million copies of books in all genres for its authors, and looks after a team of 50+ industry professionals working across the world.

Harry is inspired by the process of book creation and is passionate about the stories and characters behind the prose. He loves working with the writers and has shepherded 1000s of titles to publication over the years. He knows first-hand what it takes to not only create an unputdownable book, but also how to get it into the hands of the right readers for success.

Books are still one of the most powerful mediums to communicate ideas and establish indisputable authority in a field, boosting your reach and stature. But publishing isn’t a quick and easy process—nor should it be, or everyone would do it!