How to Use Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are single words, brief phrases or short scenarios that "prompt" or inspire writing. Writing prompts are useful tools for writers of any genre and any level of experience. The following suggestions give lots of great ideas for using writing prompts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Use writing prompts to take a break from the regular writing schedule. Exercise a different part of the brain by writing about something out of the ordinary.
2. Establish a daily writing practice by using prompts. Choose one or two prompts and write on each one for 10 or 15 minutes.
3. Break through writer's block by tackling a list of prompts. Write varied prompts to wear away the block and get the writing back on track.
4. Jump start the morning or get past a post-break lull by jumping right in with a writing prompt or two. Keep a small box of collected writing prompts on slips of paper from which to choose.
5. Learn more about oneself. Write on prompts that ask questions of one's beliefs, politics or positions on popular issues. Question the world, the way things are or how things connect to your personal beliefs?
6. Look at the world and write on specific aspects that are usually overlooked. Write highly descriptive pieces about a single flower, an insect or the day's mail.
7. Search the writing for ideas later. Save the pages in a file or notebook and review them from time to time. Highlight interesting phrases or ideas to use or write more about later.