Write Things: On Your Story, Your Way

Write Things: On Your Story, Your Way

Hello writers,

The writing I’ve been seeing in the Write Things Community lately has exceeded my expectations. There’s real power in writing with consistency and steadfast support.

But these writers didn’t learn how to write in the past four weeks.

They simply found themselves in the write conditions to grow.

And I’m honored and excited to announce that you’ll get to hear three of these writers’ stories in the very first episode of the Write Things Podcast!

It’ll be available next week—keep an eye on your inbox if you want to be one of the first to check it out.

Until then, there’s something I need you to remember:

The Shift

You can only be who you are right now.
This includes your current feelings, experiences, and situation. You have no access to any other version of yourself than the one who exists in this moment.

And every molecule of who you are is shaped by your unique backstory—by the choices you made or didn’t, and the choices others made or didn’t.

If you feel called to write right now, then it is only from this current version of yourself that you can begin.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t feel the call at all.

What does feeling called to write mean?
It means you’re excited to do it.
You feel a deep desire.
It seems like a fun idea.
You believe you have stories to tell—or maybe just reflections to explore.
You might be curious to build a world and let your characters run wild.
Or maybe you feel pulled toward becoming a full-time, published author.

Whatever your calling looks like, it is a call to action. It’s a light in the fog. A guide through the uncertainty that defines our lives.

You already have the stories, the ideas, the words, and the drive to begin.

Does this mean you’ll write perfect stories? Nope.
Will you know how to plot, develop, and finish one? Probably not—yet.
Do you know how to work with an editor, market yourself, build an audience, or approach an agent? Most don’t.

But that’s the point.

You’ll learn what you need to know by beginning the journey.

Yes, you’ll make mistakes. You’ll take wrong turns. You’ll hit obstacles that take time to overcome.

But that’s the hero’s journey.
That’s the road we all take toward our dreams.

The learning happens after we commit to the journey—not before.

If you’re waiting for the right time—until you know more, feel more confident, or get some kind of external approval—what you’re really doing is cutting short the days you could have spent pursuing your dream.

I’ve worked with well over a hundred writers. In every group, each writer has written something that left the rest in awe.

Because the people who come to my groups have this dream.

If you’re reading this newsletter, that includes you.

So pick up the pen.

Your Next Four Minutes

Prompt: “Upside Down”

The first episode of the Write Things Podcast features three pieces that were all inspired by this prompt!

Give yourself four minutes today to write to it. If you feel inspired, spend a few days turning your quick-write into a 600-word personal or fictional piece. Then, listen to the podcast when it drops to see how other writers approached the same idea!

And if you share the podcast with someone, send them your piece too.
Getting your work out there is a huge step forward on your writing journey.

New to Quick-Writing?

It’s simple:
Find a space where you can focus.
Turn off your phone. Close the door.
Grab something to write with—pen and paper, or your keyboard.

Set a timer for four minutes and write continuously on the prompt above. If you get stuck, write the prompt again until something shifts. You might free-write your thoughts, explore your self-talk, or start a scene.

You can turn it into a story, use it to clarify your next step, or keep going for another four minutes. It’s up to you.

Either way, you will have written for four minutes—
And that’s what writers do.
They write.

Thank you to everyone who’s shared this newsletter with a fellow writer or friend—it means the world to me.

Wishing you and your stories all the best,
Trevor Martens
Founder, I Help You Write Things

P.S. The Write Things Community is closed for registration for the summer. The next group of writers will be welcomed in on October 1st. If you’re curious, join the waitlist here.