Write Things: On Boiling Your Story Down

Hello writers,

Don’t you love it when the story seems to write itself? Me too. That’s why I believe every writer should have a few trusted keys to unlock their creativity and keep the words flowing.

Here’s one I’ve picked up from a couple of pros—I hope it’s a perfect fit for your next story.

Idea: On Creativity

Michael Lewis says that if you can’t distill your story into a single sentence, you may not yet understand what it’s truly about. Salman Rushdie adds that finding one compelling sentence—something you’re so excited by that you could write 300 more sentences about it—can energize your entire creative process. These two perspectives are invaluable tools for writers. They provide clarity, focus, and a deep well of inspiration, helping you navigate uncertainty and guide your storytelling at any stage.

For many writers, the uncertainty of where their story is headed can feel overwhelming. The waters get murky, and without a clear direction, it’s easy to lose momentum. Boiling your story down to one sentence isn’t just about clarity—it’s about finding the spark that keeps you engaged. That one sentence can help you stay on track while writing or offer insight when revising. It can even become the foundation of your pitch, capturing the essence of your story in a way that resonates with others.

By focusing on what excites you most, distilling your story into its simplest form, and letting that inspire your work, you’ll gain both direction and energy for the journey ahead.

Inspiration: “On this, I have something to say”

Set a timer for four minutes and write continuously on the prompt above. This week, lean into the images, feelings, or ideas that feel important. Afterward, decide whether to revise, continue, or leave it as is.

Forward someone this email and ask them to do it too! Then share what you’ve written. Sharing imperfect work is a powerful antidote to the poison that is our inner critics.

Invitation: To Boil Down

This week, try something new: take a book you’ve read recently or a story you’ve written and boil it down to one sentence. What’s the heart of it? What’s that one line that excites you or sparks your curiosity?

Then, set a timer. See how much you can write based on that sentence. Let it guide you somewhere unexpected—maybe even back to the core of why this story matters to you.

If you’re deep into a project, try it with your current work. That single sentence could become the key to unlocking your next scene—or even your whole story.

I wish you and your stories all of the best. 

Sincerely,

Trevor Martens