avatarAkaahan Terungwa

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Interested in Never Running Out of Medium Story Ideas? Master the Art of ‘Turning Them On’

Never running out of Medium story ideas is simple — but you need to understand the basics first

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

As I interacted with the Medium community yesterday, I came across a story indicating that publishing on Medium daily was impossible.

The author went as far as suggesting that anyone who does this must be using AI-generated (at worst) or at best, was filling the page with pure garbage to (simply) register their days.

As someone who publishes here daily (sometimes, twice, or even thrice), I disagreed; I strongly believed the said author did not understand how the whole process worked.

If you’re in such shoes or would generally appreciate tips on writing prolifically, here are some sure tips that point the way.

See that ‘crazy’ amount of Medium drafts? A man is always busy! Credits: Author’s account screengrab.

1. Harnessing the Power of Activities You Enjoy

The creative process is perhaps one of the least understood realms of human ability.

So shrouded in ‘mystery’ is it that it is likely to be only only to be misunderstood but also, easily confused.

However, a great way to look at things is this: creativity begets even more creativity.

For example, I love racing, cars, and auto DIY: my best story ideas come when I’m either wrenching or behind the wheels of a vehicle.

Other states that bring out the best in me creative-wise include when I’m experiencing a cold shower or when I’m doing the dishes — activities that are super therapeutic for me.

These activities may likely be different for you: however, if you want to keep the flow of Medium story ideas, when you’re doing something you love or passionately enjoy, keep a pen and paper close.

The results will shock you!

2. Peak States

I once boldly declared that writer’s block doesn’t exist: what we all mistake to be writer’s block are small issues that have largely gone unnoticed and unattended to.

One of the points I mentioned in that story is trying to work when you’re not in your peak state.

For many, this is a few hours after waking up and after a nap; for some, it’s the dead of night.

Whatever it is that works for you, stick with it and brainstorm new story ideas during such a period and you’ll be shocked by the success you’d register.

3. Reading with an Open Mind

One of the most interesting realities of reading is that it opens you up to the reality of writing.

  • You have someone whose content you strongly disagree with? You already have your next story.
  • You come across a story that you felt was written from the wrong perspective? You already have your next story.
  • You come across a problem someone shared that they couldn’t figure out an answer for? If you readily have the answer, you already have your next story.
  • Etc — the list goes on and on.

Reading with an open mind does wonders — in the business of creating more stories to be shared, going forward.

Can you guess that this story was inspired by the reality of another writer here on Medium?

Got the gist?

If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. – Stephen King

4. Creating Shorter Stories

Long stories are an absolute joy to read — if written properly and are rendered engagingly.

Unfortunately, many stories are neither properly written nor are they engaging.

This makes the odds in favor of short-form writing:

  • You get to the point quicker with short-form writing.
  • You don’t get to bore your readers silly (before they’re bored, the story is over).
  • You publish more frequently and can finally keep a schedule.

It’s a WIN-WIN for all parties involved, reader and writer.

If you’re having challenges publishing frequently or believe no one can write daily in the long haul, consider making your writing more Condensed.

Wrap Up

Publishing frequently (daily, twice, or thrice a day) on Medium is a piece of cake, if you know how — and I don’t mean publishing trash or using AI.

Things only appear complicated when you miss the basics.

If you’d love to stay on course, harness the power of the activities you enjoy, leverage your peak states, read others with an open mind, and importantly, learn the art of creating short-form stories.

Let me know what you think in the comments…do you still think publishing daily is too much of a task for you?

Is it something you do or believe you can do?

Don’t let an algorithm play ‘tapestry’ with what stories you see; subscribe to get notified directly in your inbox whenever I publish.

© 2024 Akaahan Terungwa: All rights reserved.

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