The fastest way to tell a story: make a list
When you’re tired, busy, or out of words—lists step in and save the day.
Hi friends, I’ve been using these Spooky Season Currently Lists lately—they’re perfect for fall, and I want you to use more lists while things are starting to get hectic around here. When I sit down at my desk, sometimes the words just don’t come—but a list? A list always does.
When you’re tired, busy, or out of words, lists step in and save the day. Grocery lists, top five songs, “three things about today”—they’re all storytelling shortcuts. A list takes minutes to write, but becomes a snapshot of your life right now.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this email:
Why lists make storytelling easier (and faster)
Three list formats that work for any creative habit
A journaling prompt to get you started today
Ready? Let’s make some lists.
Lists as Storytelling Shortcuts
When I don’t have the energy to write a full paragraph, I reach for structure. A list gives me enough boundaries to get started—and once I start, the words always follow.
That’s why I love doing my Currently List every Monday. I don’t have to think too hard about what I want to say; I just fill in the blanks. Sometimes I’m chatty and write a few extra notes, sometimes I only jot down a word or two—either way, it works.
Lists let you capture what’s real right now, without judgment or perfectionism. They’re not fancy. They’re just true.
Your Turn: Write your own Currently List right now—even if it’s just in your Notes app. What are you watching, eating, loving, or looking forward to today?
Three Kinds of Lists That Tell a Story
Currently Lists
The easiest way to document what’s happening right now. You can switch up the categories, use printable cards, or write straight into your notebook. No rules here—just right now.
Try this: Download the Spooky Season Currently List journaling cards and fill one out this week.
Thursday3
This challenge started as a selfie project, but it’s become one of my favorite list prompts. Every Thursday, take a quick photo and write down three things about your life right now. They don’t need to connect—just three real things.
Your Turn: Jot down three things happening today. Don’t overthink it—you’ll be surprised at how much story lives inside those three little lines.
Numbered Lists for Journaling
Five things I’m feeling. Three things I’m grateful for. Ten things I want to remember about this season.Numbered lists are a quick way to get thoughts out without worrying about perfect prose or sentence structure. You can even turn one into a Daily Page spread.
Your Turn: Pick a number and a topic—“5 things I’m looking forward to” works great—and fill the list in right now.
Why It Works
A list lowers the bar for what “counts.” You don’t have to be profound or poetic; you just have to show up. Over time, those lists become a record of your creative life—one quick page at a time.
When you look back months from now, you’ll see patterns, habits, and growth. That’s storytelling in its simplest form.
The next time journaling feels like too much, make a list instead. Let the structure hold you while your thoughts catch up. You’ll be surprised how much story can fit into a handful of bullet points.
Here’s what we covered today:
Lists make storytelling easier and faster
Three list formats to use anytime
Making lists is a creative shortcut—not a cop-out
Action step: Write one list today. It doesn’t have to be deep—just true.
Talk to you next week!
xoxo,
Kristin
P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.