Anyone who writes knows that writing is comprised of (generally):
-22% coffee breaks,
-18% falling into Wikipedia holes that have literally nothing to do with what you’re trying to write about,
-40% writer’s block,
-10% considering getting an animal (may I recommend a small cow?),
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-4% considering throwing your computer out of the window and never writing again,
-And, finally, 6% actual writing.
If you’re disciplined enough to spend more time focusing on actually writing than most of us are, a) I envy you, b) please, PLEASE tell me your secrets.
But if this breakdown seems to apply to you, here are some writing prompts for when you’re feeling stuck. I find that these prompts work super well for poems or short stories, but if you want to write a longer piece with them, go for it! (And let me know how it turns out!)
1) Write about the first thing you see to your left. (Tip: you don’t have to write about the bottle of wine you shamelessly have sitting next to you, even though it’s a Wednesday (@ myself), you can just make it a theme or fixture point in your poem/story).
2) Write a letter to someone, without mentioning their name or making it glaringly obvious it’s about that certain person.
3) Write something about food. Your favorite food, your least favorite food, whatever. Food is great.
4) Write about the first pet you ever had. If you’ve never had a pet, I’m sorry, you can come pet my dog (or lizard, whatever) any day.
5) Write about a missed connection. I don’t really mean the super creepy, Craiglist-type missed connection…or do that, whatever floats your goat.
6) Write a breakup letter to a bad habit.
7) Write a letter to your younger self.
8) Write a letter to your future self.
9) Write a letter to the Universe.
10) Write about strength - physical or emotional!
11) Write about your favorite childhood memento - a toy, blanket, etc.
12) Write about your favorite word.
13) Write about your favorite quote.
14) Write a letter to a person you’d like to have a conversation with - the person can be dead or alive. (My top picks would probably be Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, and Bach).
15) Write about a social justice issue that lights a fire in you.
16) Speaking of fires, write about a fire.
17) Write about waiting...waiting in line, waiting for something to go your way, waitin’ on a woman (sorry, country music reference).
18) Write about an idiom that you like. Idioms are fun.
19) Write about nature.
20) That’s really broad. Write specifically about a certain aspect of nature that confuses you, or inspires you.
21) Write about your favorite dessert. I know I already mentioned food, but whatever, food is good.
22) Write about being, or feeling, lost. For example, that time you got lost in the supermarket as a kid, or feeling lost in a crowd, or feeling emotionally lost.
23) Write about an everyday object that has a particular symbolism to you. It could be weird, profound, commonplace, whatever. For example, I’d write about a compass. I have one tattooed on my foot, so I kind of feel obligated to give some love to those things. Even though we have GPS. MOVING ON.
24) Write about a fear of yours.
25) Write about a fear of yours, from when you were a kid. Sidebar story: I used to be really, really scared of aliens. I had a really nice telescope that my grandparents bought for me, and I wasn’t able to fully appreciate it because I was scared to look through it for a time because I thought I would see an alien.
26) Write about your idea of a perfect date.
27) Write about your favorite song, or something inspired by your favorite song.
28) Write about your favorite instrument.
29) Write about someone who inspired you when you were a child, or inspired you when you were a teenager. For example, your favorite teacher in high school that helped you navigate through the waters that are pubescent, clique-y, drama-fueled, high school years.
30) Write about your family, or a close friend that you consider family. Family isn’t always blood, but your blood will always be there for you. (Ashley’s proverb for the evening.)
If these aren’t enough for you, there are some awesome resources online that have a bunch of writing prompts! Here are a few I’ve used in the past:
Writing is one of the best things a person can do when they’re feeling emotional, or when they’re feeling just plain bored...although I’m a little biased, as an English major. That aside, it’s a fantastic, cathartic way to express your thoughts and emotions.
And if ever you feel discouraged, frustrated, hopeless, or feel like giving up writing, remember what Ernest Hemingway had to say:
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one becomes a master.”
