What can you do when you don’t know what to write?

Here are some proven ways to jumpstart your idea-generating machine. 

1.       Make lists. Make lists of memories, things you know, things you want to know, random snippets, favorite things, things you hate, things you love.

2.       Describe. Use your senses. Pick something and try to use all your senses to describe it.

3.       Freewrite. Set a timer and let yourself go. The only rule is that you DON’T STOP WRITING.  Start with 5 minutes, take a break, and try for a longer period next time.

4.       Freewrite on a topic. Same idea as #4 but pick a fairly broad topic that interests you and go.

5.       Randomly pick up a book you’ve read (and liked) and choose a word, phrase, or sentence. Then write an explication, a response, or whatever comes to mind.

6.       Write a letter. To yourself in the past, to yourself in the future – someone else.

7.       Write in a different place. Sometimes a different environment is all you need.

8.       Think of three lessons you’ve learned in life. If possible, write about a specific moment that you can connect to those lessons.

9.       Think of something you know how to do. Explain step by step how to do it, and why you do it your way.

10.   Write about something you’re passionate about. Don’t worry if nobody else cares. Just write about what it is and why you’re passionate about it.

Share your own ideas for generating writing. And let me know if you try any of these and how it goes!