The Writing Process Made Easy: Simple Steps to Actually Finish What You Start

Sometimes, creativity feels like a match that just won’t strike. You sit down, ready to write something awesome, but your brain just says, “Nope, not today.” Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The good news is that there are simple tricks to get your creativity flowing again, even when it feels like it’s on vacation. Let’s look at some easy ways to get those ideas moving.

Kickstart Your Creativity

When your brain feels like it’s stuck in neutral, try these tricks to get the engine running again.

Start with a Writing Prompt

When you’re not sure where to start, writing prompts can be your best friend. They give you a direction to go in without making you come up with a brilliant idea out of nowhere. Think of prompts like training wheels—you don’t need them forever, but they sure help when you’re stuck.

Here are some prompts to try:

• Finish the sentence: “The last thing I expected to find was…”
• What if scenarios: “What if you woke up and everyone could read your thoughts?”
• Alternate viewpoints: Write from the perspective of an inanimate object. Maybe your old teddy bear you had as a kid (or perhaps still have :) )?
• Memory triggers: Think about a childhood memory. What stands out? Write about it.

These prompts are perfect for getting you unstuck and opening the door to new ideas. If you want even more, check out this massive list of 500 prompts. You’ll never run out of things to write about!

Change Your Medium

Sometimes creativity needs a change of pace. If you always write on your laptop, try switching things up. Handwriting can help you think differently, and it might just get your brain back on track. Here’s why:

• Handwriting is slower but deeper: Writing by hand gives you time to think. It’s a more personal, emotional way of writing that can help spark creativity.
• Typing is faster and flexible: Typing helps you get your thoughts down quickly and makes editing easier.

Try switching it up! Outline your ideas on paper and then type up your full draft. Or, when you hit a block, switch from typing to handwriting. It helps you see your ideas in a new light.

Keep It Simple

When you’re trying to write, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might have too many ideas or not enough. But here’s the secret: keeping things simple helps you break through the overwhelm and get started.

Write Just One Sentence

If the idea of writing a whole page feels scary, start small. Write just one sentence. That’s it. One little sentence can get the ball rolling.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• What’s the main point? Write one sentence that sums up the message or feeling you want your piece to have.
• Start small: Jot down a simple thought like, “Today I’m writing about…” It doesn’t have to be perfect, just write it down.
• Spark ideas with questions: Ask yourself something like, “What if my main character had to face their greatest fear?”

Writing one sentence is like making the first move in a game. Once you do it, the next step is much easier. Plus, it helps you get over the fear of the blank page.

Outline First, Write Later

If you’ve ever felt lost trying to tackle a big project, outlining is like your GPS. Instead of diving in headfirst, an outline helps you organize your thoughts and break things down into bite-sized pieces.

Outlining doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with the main idea: Write a sentence that sums up the purpose of your piece.
2. Break it down: Divide your topic into sections or chapters. These will be your “bones” of the writing. For example, if it’s a blog post, sketch out the main headings.
3. Add details gradually: Under each section, list ideas, examples, or arguments you want to include.
4. Keep it simple: Don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on the basics, and expand as needed.

Outlining gives you a map to follow, so you’re not guessing about what comes next. It’s like following a recipe—only instead of cooking, you’re writing!

Use Movement and Breaks

Writing isn’t just about what’s happening in your head—it’s also about taking care of your body. Sometimes, stepping away for a few minutes can help you come back stronger.

Take a Walk Before Writing

Ever sit at your desk, staring blankly at the screen, wishing the words would magically appear? Try taking a walk! Seriously, moving around can help reset your brain. Walking is like hitting “refresh” on your ideas.

Here’s why it works:

• Relieves mental pressure: Moving helps clear your head and ease stress.
• Boosts creativity: Studies show that walking increases divergent thinking (a fancy term for creativity!).
• Encourages problem-solving: Walking gives your brain a chance to wander and come up with solutions.

You don’t need to go on a 10-mile hike. A short walk around the block or even a lap in your living room can do wonders. So, grab your sneakers and clear your head!

Celebrate Small Wins

Writing is a journey, not a race. Sometimes, even finishing a small section of your work is worth celebrating. Every little step forward counts.

Here’s how to make celebrating progress a habit:

• Track your progress: Keep a checklist or calendar to mark each milestone, big or small.
• Reward yourself: After hitting a goal, treat yourself to something nice—like a snack or a short YouTube break.
• Share your success: Tell a friend or fellow writer about your progress. It makes the achievement feel real and motivates you to keep going.

Remember, creativity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when your ideas are playing hide-and-seek. Every word you write, even the messy ones, takes you forward. So try the prompts, switch up your style, and celebrate each tiny win. Because one word turns into a sentence, one sentence into a paragraph, and soon you’ve got something amazing. Now go grab a pen (or keyboard), take a deep breath, and let your words fly—you’ve already got everything you need to be great.