Are you itching to start a new project? Want to work on something different? Stuck in a rut? Shake things up.
Here's a fun exercise that will get you out of your normal writing routine and will hopefully help you embark on a fun, creative journey.
Take a piece of paper and write out at least 50 possibilities. Anything goes. This can range from story ideas, genres, and formats to marketing initiatives (create a contest, start a newsletter, plan an event) and social media options (go live on Facebook, post a quote graphic, update your LinkedIn).
Note: If you prefer, you can type up your list - double-spaced - and print it out.
Now, cut these out into individual strips. Put them in a hat or box. Then, when you have some downtime or scheduled writing time, "shake it up," and choose one. Whatever you choose, you must do.
Here are a few optional rules/variations:
1. You have the option to put the first item back, but you have to do the second thing you pick. And then next three times, you are not allowed to choose an alternate.
2. Divide your ideas into different boxes, based on the amount of time the activity will take, and choose based on your schedule.
3. Separate them into different boxes. One for ideas and another for formats. Pick one from each box, and then you have to write whatever idea you pick into whichever format. For instance, if you choose "blue" and "social media post," you must find a way to write a post on that topic, however you interpret blue. Could be the color or emotion. It's up to you.
No matter what you are working on as your primary project, it never hurts to explore a different genre or format. You never know where new ideas may lead! Good luck and have fun.
What items are going on your list? How do you plan to shake things up? Please share in the comments.
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