19 little ideas that make me excited to write again

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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