How Do I Start a Writing Prompt

From LoveToKnow Freelance-Writing

"How do I start a writing prompt?" You may ask yourself this questions if you're new to writing or suffering from writers block and look to a prompt as a source of information.

Writing Prompts

Why Use a Writing Prompt?

The basic premise behind creative writing prompts is to get you to write. Even if you don't think you know what to write, schedule your writing time. Writing for even ten minutes may hold a reward for your efforts. Many a writer has started a prompt with no idea of what to write, only to find that when they come to the end of their writing time, they want to continue. They are "on a roll". Even if you can't continue writing the story or scene that you've started on paper, that doesn't mean your ideas will go to sleep. Characters often continue to visit the stage in your mind and move the creative process forward. This in essence is why writers use prompts. It stimulates the imagination.

Writing prompts work like a springboard, and you don't really know where you're going to land until you put down the pen. Writing prompts can be used to help you find your next article, short story or even a novel.

When to Use a Writing Prompt

When You Have Writer's Block - Writers use prompts for a variety of reasons. If you feel like your creativity is dormant, and you haven't had a new or original idea for days or longer, a writing prompt can help spark your imagination.
Inspiration for a Writing Group – If you are part of a writers group or class, a writing prompt can be a great way to generate new ideas, original writing and gives members something to talk about among themselves. When you try this, you may be surprised at the vast variety of stories and that comes forth from the same prompt.
When You're New – If your new to the craft of writing, but don't know where to start, a prompt can be a useful tool. It not only will get you writing, but it will also help you to find your voice as a writer if you use prompts often.
When You Want to Grow – Writing prompts are also used to help writers grow out of their comfort zones and to expand their creativity beyond what is the norm for them. Some writers start the day with a writing prompt to get those creative juices flowing.

Answer to: How Do I Start a Writing Prompt

The same prompts don't work for everyone, but don't give up on a prompt too soon. If you give prompts a chance, you may be surprised at what you think of. If you've asked, "How do I start a writing prompt?" the answer is to start writing. Of course you have to choose the prompt first, but when you do, set a goal to write. If you don't have much time, set a realistic goal like writing for 15 or 20 minutes. Set a timer. This gives you enough time to start connecting creative thoughts and when you're finished you'll have something on paper. Whether or not it's worth keeping or just a learning experience doesn't matter. Developing the writing habit means learning to write whether you feel like it or not, and whether what you write that day is worth keeping or not.

Along with developing the habit of writing, prompts also provide learning experiences. Even when you don't think you should "keep" what you write, don't toss it into the trash too fast. It may generate something to use later, or help you to see a way to improve your writing. For example, if you follow a prompt that encourages the use of the sense of smell, the next time you write a short story you may notice that you lack this type of olfactory input.

Examples of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are endless. Use the following examples to get you started:

Quotations – often used by inspirational writers.
Picture Prompts - This can be an old family photo, something you see in a child's encyclopedia, or any other image you come across.
Song Prompts - Song lyrics tell a story. These prompts nudge your muse to take them in a new direction.

Books that Provide Prompts

Using prompts exercises you muse. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. The following books provide writing prompts and exercises:

Other Unique Prompts

Shop for a Prompt – Go shopping with the purpose of finding a character or object to write about. Flee markets, antique shops and similar venues offer a wide rage of possibilities.
Writer's Guidelines – Visit guidelines for an anthology or other themed publication and use it as a prompt. As a bonus, when you're done, you may just have a finished product you can submit.
Change of Perspective Prompt – Take a scene you've already written and rewrite it from another perspective.
Nature Walks – Getting away from it all often helps open up the creative synaptic passageways. Be sure to bring a long a small pad to capture your ideas.
People Watch – Go to a place where you can sit and watch people. Sit on a bench at the park or mall and make notes. Create a character based on what you've learned.

Whatever method of prompt you choose, enjoy and get writing!

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