Writing Prompts -- For a Kick in the Pants
by Trey Rosier
Let's face it. Anyone who spends any amount of time and effort occasionally (or often?) runs out of ideas. We're not even necessarily talking about writer's block here, just good, old-fashioned “What the hell am I going to write about today?
Offered here are a list of writing prompts – a spark, an idea, something to get the “creative juices” flowing. Whether you need an idea for a story or project, or simply something to get you writing the paragraph or page you promised you would get down on paper (or computer) today, you can hopefully find something here you can connect with and write about.
Across a Crowded Room: It's happened to us all (or we wish it did). You are in a public place and see someone across the room that completely captures your mind/imagination/heart. How does it make you feel? What thoughts race through your mind? What do you do about it (if anything)”
Out the Window: You are sitting in your home, minding your own business (reading, watching television, using the computer?). Something startling catches your attention outside the window. What is it? What do you do (if anything)?
At Motor Vehicles: Whether it is called the DMV or the MVC or something else where you live, most, if not all, of us have had to deal with this (to most people) intimidating bureaucracy. You have to go there, and you are nervous (are you getting your license for the first time? Restoring a suspended license? Paying a fine?). What do you feel emotionally and physically?
You're Going To Die: You haven't been feeling all that hot lately, so you go to the doctor to see what's up. After tests she enters the room with a grave look on her face. What does she say? How do you react? What do you do next?
The Doorbell Rings: You are at home minding your own damn business. The doorbell rings and an unexpected feeling of dead rushes through you. Who is it? What has happened? Or are you just being a little bit paranoid?
Long Lost Love: You are walking down the street (or maybe shopping at the grocery store or the mall) and you suddenly spot the love of your life walking by, making your heart seize up for a moment. How does he or she look? Better or worse than you remembered/imagined? What do you do? Say hello or hide?
Going Down: You are on an airplane. Maybe you are terrified to fly or maybe you love the adventure. Suddenly things take a horrific turn and the aircraft begins plummeting toward the earth (or the sea). What are the thoughts that race though your mind? Does your life flash before you (which events are there, and are they the ones you expect, or something completely unexpected? Do you scream, cry, or accept? How is the person next to you reacting? What happens in the end?
Trapped: You come to after an automobile crash. It's dark, you're in pain (or not? Maybe you can't feel anything at all). You are alone (or are you?). Strange and indistinct sounds filter to your ears. You are trapped and cannot move. What thoughts/emotions go through your head? What happens next?
Offered here are a list of writing prompts – a spark, an idea, something to get the “creative juices” flowing. Whether you need an idea for a story or project, or simply something to get you writing the paragraph or page you promised you would get down on paper (or computer) today, you can hopefully find something here you can connect with and write about.
Across a Crowded Room: It's happened to us all (or we wish it did). You are in a public place and see someone across the room that completely captures your mind/imagination/heart. How does it make you feel? What thoughts race through your mind? What do you do about it (if anything)”
Out the Window: You are sitting in your home, minding your own business (reading, watching television, using the computer?). Something startling catches your attention outside the window. What is it? What do you do (if anything)?
At Motor Vehicles: Whether it is called the DMV or the MVC or something else where you live, most, if not all, of us have had to deal with this (to most people) intimidating bureaucracy. You have to go there, and you are nervous (are you getting your license for the first time? Restoring a suspended license? Paying a fine?). What do you feel emotionally and physically?
You're Going To Die: You haven't been feeling all that hot lately, so you go to the doctor to see what's up. After tests she enters the room with a grave look on her face. What does she say? How do you react? What do you do next?
The Doorbell Rings: You are at home minding your own damn business. The doorbell rings and an unexpected feeling of dead rushes through you. Who is it? What has happened? Or are you just being a little bit paranoid?
Long Lost Love: You are walking down the street (or maybe shopping at the grocery store or the mall) and you suddenly spot the love of your life walking by, making your heart seize up for a moment. How does he or she look? Better or worse than you remembered/imagined? What do you do? Say hello or hide?
Going Down: You are on an airplane. Maybe you are terrified to fly or maybe you love the adventure. Suddenly things take a horrific turn and the aircraft begins plummeting toward the earth (or the sea). What are the thoughts that race though your mind? Does your life flash before you (which events are there, and are they the ones you expect, or something completely unexpected? Do you scream, cry, or accept? How is the person next to you reacting? What happens in the end?
Trapped: You come to after an automobile crash. It's dark, you're in pain (or not? Maybe you can't feel anything at all). You are alone (or are you?). Strange and indistinct sounds filter to your ears. You are trapped and cannot move. What thoughts/emotions go through your head? What happens next?