And here we are again with the third and last part of my three-part series on writing prompts. The last couple weeks we have looked at some of the different reasons to use writing prompts and the value they have for us as writers.
Today I want to look at the different types of prompts and where we can find them. I don’t know about you, but for me, finding the writing prompts can be just as hard as using them. If I’m in the middle of one of my writing blocks, it seems I not only have a hard time writing my novel, but any other work. I can write a poem, short story, my blog or anything, once I’m able to trick myself back into my creative mindset, I’m able to get back into my serious writing.
Writing prompts can do this for me. So how do I find them? Well, I learned a trick that works for me. Maybe it will work for you too.
Before I share what that is, however, we’ll go over a few other, more traditional ways.
- Find some websites devoted to writing prompts. There are a number of them out in webland.
https://thewritersacademy.co.uk/writing-101/writing-prompts/
Just to mention a few. The last one is a favorite because it has writing prompts broken down into genres. If you’re in the mood for fantasy, horror, sci-fi or whatever, just look under that category.
If you don’t like any of those sites or are just looking for something different, google writing prompts and see what comes up.
2. Another fun way to find a prompt is to grab a book off your shelf… or off the windowsill, floor, dresser or wherever you keep your books. Personally, I never have room for all my books on the bookshelf, so I have to get creative. But that’s another subject. Go on now… go get one.
Ok… you got your book? This is what I call the close your eyes and point method. Very scientific! Now, close your eyes… keep them closed. Open the book and point. Now open your eyes and look at the sentence you’re pointing at. That’s your prompt!
I have a lot of fun with this. For some reason, it works beautifully. Maybe because it’s just so silly.
3. Buy a book of prompts. There are a number of them out there. Amazon is a good place to start with this. I have several friends that have bought books but this isn’t something I have done, so I can’t really recommend one.
4. Now we come to my last and favorite way to find writing prompts. This for me is the easiest and always gets my creative juices going. I like pictures. I google “writing prompts” but then, instead of going to the web to find links to a site, I select “images”. There are tons of pictures. Most have a short one-liner with them. Most are things I would never dream of on my own.
So… what’s your favorite way to find writing prompts? If you have a favorite website or book you have used and liked, please leave a comment below and tell us about it. I think this is one area that we all need help with new suggestions.
Most writing prompts can’t be reused very often. Share with us your site, books, and tricks.
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