Ten top tips for 2026

Looking for inspiration to fire up your writing for the year ahead? We've lined up ten sure-fire ways to make sure you're never short of words and ideas!

1) Write what you love

This is key – why would you write about something that didn’t interest or intrigue you? Writing what sparks your curiosity, inspires you, what you’re passionate about, will always mean that you want to return to the page to explore your passion and express your creativity in something else you love - words. And this is where you’ll find your themes – the central ideas that create the backbone of your writing.

2) Remember your voice is unique

No-one else can write like you – and why would you want to write like anyone else? Believe in your own voice and develop it by writing what you want, in your way, rather than writing to a trend or to please an invisible reader.

3) Make time for your writing

Your writing is important to you – that’s why you’re here. So like any relationship you value, you need to nurture it and give it the time it deserves. Set designated writing times so you can invest in your creativity.

4) And show up

No excuses. Bum on seat, pen on paper, fingers on keyboard. You can’t be a writer if you don’t write, so make a start and find your flow. If you don’t know what to write, use a prompt to get the words started.

5) Think about the characters

Whatever you write – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, script – the characters will shape the story. So spend time getting to know them. Find out what they want, what’s gone wrong for them, what they most love and what they struggle with. As you get to know them, you’ll find your plot or narrative structure developing at the same time.

6) And find out how they fit into their location

No-one comes from nowhere. Setting is time, place, background history, atmosphere – how has an environment shaped the person, idea or theme that you’re writing about? Understanding this will enable you to layer your writing with nuance and texture.

7) Take risks. Try new things

If you feel stale, or blocked, try something new. Try it anyway, and see what happens. Remember to play with what might be possible – it’s exciting and can create wonderful new ways of expressing yourself on the page. There are no rules in writing, and it’s up to each writer to find what works for them – enjoy the process of discovery!

8) When it gets tough, remember that you do this because it’s what gives you pleasure

Writing can be hard sometimes – we struggle to find the right words or ideas, we get stuck or blocked, we send out writing and it gets rejected. But always remember the pure joy of writing, of expressing yourself, of creating something in words that didn’t exist before. That’s what brought you to the page in the first place – because it’s who you are. A writer. Remind yourself of that, and keep going!

9) There’s always something new to learn, so embrace it

One of the joys of being a writer is that there’s always something to learn, or be inspired by, or to try – and doing so can open up new areas for you to explore. Writing in different styles, taking a course in something you’re interested in, doing something to provoke new ideas and ways of seeing, is always an investment in yourself and your writing.

10) Always be curious, and open-minded

Good writers are always on the lookout for ideas and inspiration – so nurture a sense of curiosity, of interest in events and people, of discovering niche interests – of trying new things and finding things out. Doing this means you’re never short of things to write about – and it brings us right back to point one – write what you love! That way, you can’t go wrong.

We wish you every success and happiness with your writing in the New Year – keep an eye on all our channels for regular writing updates, advice and inspiration.

Looking for a masterclass to kickstart your creativity and take your writing to the next level in the year ahead? Check out these amazing webinars - and if you’re interested in self-publishing, don’t miss the three-part series with Simon Whaley!