Feeling stuck? A little annoyed?
You know you need to write, but it just doesn't appeal right now…
If I feel burned out or a bit out of sorts, I return to this list:
Just write something short and quick.
Write the article you wish someone else had written for you. That thing you googled but couldn't find a good answer for? Write it yourself.
Allow yourself to write literal trash for five minutes. This can open the floodgates to something better.
Start a paragraph with 'You know what's weird?' Then explore that weird thing. It's an instant hook that keeps you and readers engaged.
See writing as an organic 'revealing' that leaves a trail of mud. You write to see what comes up. You don't have it pre-planned. You delete the dirt later. What's left? This is fun.
Describe something ordinary in an extraordinary way. Your morning coffee routine, waiting in line, and the sound of rain. Making mundane things interesting is a superpower.
Write about something you completely changed your mind about. What did you used to believe that now seems ridiculous? These pieces practically write themselves.
Take a popular saying and explain why it's wrong. 'Follow your passion,' 'money can't buy happiness,' 'good things come to those who wait,' etc. Challenge the clichés.
Forget the 'project' and focus on the 'practice.' So, 250 words each day for 30 days, not a big, fat, scary 'book.'
Write about a moment that taught you something unexpected. Not life-changing moments, but small ones that shifted how you see things.
Use a random word as your starting point. How about 'hammer?' Pick any noun and write about how it relates to your life or work. The constraint forces creativity. This is gold.
Pick one thing that's been on your mind recently that makes you a little emotional. Write about that. Readers dig emotional stuff.
Write your past self a letter. What would you tell yourself from 5 years ago? Speak directly and warmly to a younger you. These pieces are inherently personal and relatable.
Give yourself a limit. Write for 10 minutes max. But make sure you write during those ten minutes. Now you've chopped out all the complications.
Start with the phrase ‘I've been thinking about…’ Then just follow wherever that thought leads. It's like having a conversation starter with yourself.
Write about a problem you solved recently. It could be work, relationships, or just figuring out how to organise your cupboard without crying like a baby. People love practical problem-solving.
Write like you're texting your best friend. Drop the formal voice and just explain something like you would in a casual conversation. This instantly makes writing feel less intimidating and more natural. Think how easy it is to text people you like. You are literally writing. What's the difference?
Write like you're defending something you love. Passionate defence of your favourite things naturally creates engaging content. What's at risk of extinction that you can't bear to lose? Go there.
Pick a strong opinion and argue against it. Even if you don't believe the counterargument, exploring the other side often reveals surprising insights.
Got any others? Do share them below.
Alex
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Most of these have been working out so well for me for a long time. Amazing list!
Some belters on here, thank you.