Finding Motivation & Inspiration for my Next Hub

I can't say I have all the answers, but I've found being on HubPages has helped me get more ideas of what to write about both on HubPages and on my own websites. Some of the things I do that have helped me get back on track with my writing are:

The first thing I do when I'm stumped is start reading. I may "hob some hubs" or I may just start surfing though links that interest me from one hub to another until something "clicks" and I feel that burst of inspiration to start writing.

Things that make me want to write...

1. Unanswered questions (especially when I know the answer, but also if the question is interesting and I don't know, I'll go do some research).
2. I disagree with the viewpoint being expressed and feel like I need to write about the other side of the issue.
3. The hub feels incomplete or I think I could add more to the topic from my own hub.
4. I see a sub-category that would be interesting to explore and expand on.

I love the HubMob Challenge, and The Money Grows on Hubs Contest. If I can't think of anything to write, then I can always pick one of these topics. Even the 30 Hubs in 30 Days challenge can lend some motivation (although not as much inspiration for a topic.)

I read the questions and answers, and posts in the forum with the same idea in mind. What can I write about?

This is a lot like reading, but more focused. By the time I'm researching, I've probably got a general topic in mind and I'm looking for an angle or sub-topic to work with.

For the contests, I will research what hubs are showing up in the category already. I like to try to write something that fills a gap or expands on what is already there...so I'm trying to get an overview of the category and what might be missing.

For other, general topics, I'll do a google search and try to see what's already there, as well as look at what kind of results are coming up for keywords. I'm not a great keyword researcher, but I have found most of my searches come up with additional search term suggestions at the bottom of the page. They usually narrow the topic in some way by adding a word or two to my search phrase. A lot of times one of these will spark an idea that I think I can write about... as well as a good keyword phrase to use in my title.

I confess, I rarely run out of ideas.  The problem comes somewhere after the title/outline and before I really get into the flow of things.  If reading and research can't get things going the best thing I can do is save and quit.

Taking a break, or even taking the day off can really help break through writer's block to.  Sometimes you just need to get away and get some air... and have some play time.

After you've had a chance to relax and unwind you may find that the outline or title you saved yesterday is just what you need to get started today.