- Christian Story Lab
- Posts
- 4 dead simple steps to never run out of things to write about.
4 dead simple steps to never run out of things to write about.
Payton Minzenmayer
January 04, 2025
By the end of this post, you will have solved all 3 of these problems:
You’re not sure what topics to write about.
You’re not sure how to find topics you’re credible enough to write about.
You’re not sure how to come up with engaging ideas about those topics.
Yeah, we’re jumping into this one like a kid cannonballing into a pool. No finesse, all splash, and hopefully, a lot of fun.
Years ago, I decided I wanted to “get serious” about writing.
So, naturally, I spent a full weekend organizing my desk, sharpening every pencil in the house, and crafting the perfect Spotify playlist (still have it!).
Did I write?
Of course not.
I spent more time alphabetizing my bookshelf than putting words on paper because I didn’t know what to write about.
I don’t want that for you.
Here’s a simple trick that will give you an endless supply of writing ideas. It’s so simple it feels like cheating.
Here’s the only rule: don’t judge your ideas.
Some ideas will stink like gym socks. Others will be the unexpected brilliance of pineapple on pizza. You won’t know which is which at first, so don’t overthink it.
Step 1. Think in 2-Year Increments
Start by asking yourself: “What are all the problems I’ve solved and topics I’ve learned about over the last 2 years?”
Why 2 years? Because it’s recent enough to remember but long enough to reflect on lessons you’ve internalized.
Remember: You don’t have to be an expert to write.
In fact, people prefer learning from someone just a few steps ahead of them.
It’s relatable.
They don’t want Mount Everest wisdom; they want someone showing them the next mile of the trail.
Step 2. Add specificity
While you don’t need to be a world-renowned expert, you do need a touch of specificity.
Here’s how:
Take your 2-year topics and reframe them so they were written for you two years ago before you solved the problem.
Let me show you:
General Topic: How to start writing.
Specific Topic: How to build a writing habit for complete beginners.
General Topic: Storytelling techniques.
Specific Topic: Storytelling tactics for Christian storytellers so they can write stories people want to share.
General Topic: Making money online.
Specific Topic: How young pastors can make money online without losing their souls in the process.
See the difference?
See all the people I left out?
That’s the point.
Specificity narrows your audience but also makes your writing way more impactful.
Step 3. Focus on the 4A Framework (Adapted from Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole)
Express each of your topics using these 4 angles:
Actionable (Here’s How): Tips, hacks, and resources.
Example: “X mistakes to avoid when building a daily writing habit.”
Analytical (Here Are the Numbers): Data, stats, and insights.
Example: “Why making it to Day 10 is the key to building a writing habit.”
Aspirational (Yes, You Can): Lessons, mistakes, and motivation.
Example: “3 lessons I learned from writing every day for 600 days.”
Anthropological (Here’s Why): Stories about fears, struggles, or failures.
Example: “The #1 reason people stop writing shortly after starting.”
This framework helps you turn even the simplest idea into engaging content.
Step 4. Choose 3 and Start Writing
By now, you’ve got a long list of ideas. Probably too many.
That’s a good problem to have!
Here’s how to narrow it down:
Pick 3 ideas that resonate most with you.
Commit to writing about those over the next 3 days.
Don’t overthink. Just start writing.
Here’s your roadmap to generate endless ideas:
Do this by hand to break out of your regular environment.
Start with a massive brain dump of your 2-year test.
Grab 2-3 buckets that resonate with you.
Tailor specificity to match your level of credibility.
Use the 4A Framework to shape your ideas.
Pick 3 ideas and go!
If you start today, by this time tomorrow, you’ll have content ideas and the confidence to write about them.
Write on 🤙
Payton
P.S. Here is what’s coming up next.
Day 1: How to Overcome the 10 Biggest Fears Writers Have
Day 2: The Only Real Secret to Never Running Out of Ideas
Day 3: Why You Need 1 BIG Idea
Day 4: Where You Should Be Writing Online (Hint: Not a Blog!)
Day 5: How to Make Writing Effortless, 250 Words at a Time
Day 6: The Secret to Writing in the Age of AI
Day 7: The 4 Best Digital Writing Platforms
Reply