“Some days, it’s just too hot to write,” scribbles my colleague Sharon, “which makes it tricky if your job involves writing, and you have to do it.”
Heat stands as a metaphor for lots of uncomfortable writing situations. As it happens, Sharon penned those words on one of the hottest days of 2025 (until today, that is).
Here are her hot tips for writing, if the rising mercury is messing with your muse.
Sharon’s frazzled writing tips for sizzling days:
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Do it early. Write first thing in the morning, before the heat peaks. Good writing is good thinking so try and do it when your brain has space for more than ‘I need a Magnum’.
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Assume everyone reading your words is as hot as you are and therefore is not firing on all cylinders.
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Keep it light. Make everything as simple and easy to follow as possible. Even if your readers aren’t feeling fried, they’ll still appreciate it.
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Try writing on your phone. That will help you keep it brief and conversational. It’s a good exercise too, as lots of people will be reading whatever you write on their phones too.
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Short sentences. Lots of simple punctuation. Don’t let people get lost in your words or they’ll give up and go in search of a Magnum.
To which I’d add – treat yourself to the Magnum anyway.
Me, I’m a bit of a hothouse flower. There are other forms of heat that I find much more uncomfortable though. Like the heat of others’ expectations, or self-doubt. Or the panicky days where I’ve misplaced my mojo altogether (along with my glasses).
If that’s you, today or any day, I have this advice to share: Be kind to yourself. It’s not just you – this is the human condition. So, please be kind to yourself.
"Self-kindness is like a cool damp towel on the nape of your neck."
Self-kindness is like a cool damp towel on the nape of your neck, in the heat and misery of inflated deadlines and doubt.
Sounds lush? It is. And – I’ll spare you the neuro-babble – trust me that it’s effective and productive too.
Here’s a variation on what I often do:
Andy’s hot tips – When the heat is on, make curiosity your shady place
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Stop. Take a break. I mean, are you really getting anywhere, staring at that blinking cursor?
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Fire up your curiosity – really pour it into something. Do it lavishly, extravagantly, indulgently. It’s impossible to be curious and furious at the same time.
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In the sense of ‘Your neck bone’s connected to your… (clap) head bone,’ your curiosity offers a pivot to your creativity. Now hear the word of the Lord.
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Tell yourself a short little story about what you just learned. I mean say it out loud. Imagine someone you know, sitting in your kitchen. Engross, educate and inform them.
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By now I’d hope you’re beginning to feel like the articulate, imaginative, entertaining individual you already were. Good enough. More than.
Giving yourself permission to find a better way to achieve your writing goals is smart. It’s the kind of ingenuity and flexibility we often admire in others, but sometimes can’t see how it applies to us.
Following that thread, here are some more articles that might appeal. If you’ve wondered how to start stories that stand the test of time, we’ve got some thoughts to share. Or maybe you’re musing on how to show your human side in business storytelling. You’re welcome!
Here’s to a lovely summer, and some gorgeous writing.
What do you think?