The Write Prompts
Ranked #21 in Arts , #459 overall
A Word or Two to Get You Started
What is a writing prompt? It is a word, picture, phrase, quote or set of directions to help you kick start your writing for those days when you just can't get anything to percolate.
In this lens you will find a few of the above options to help you journal or start your next short story as well as some really great book ideas and other writing inspiration.
This lens was created in January 2007 and has spent over 100 days in the top 100 Squidoo Lenses list. In January 2010 it was awarded the purple star of excellence.
This lens is updated every Sunday.
Subscribe to the Write Prompts Blog and receive a daily prompt in your ebox.
September Prompt Challenge
Something to work on throughout the month...
30 days has September and for the next 30 days you are going to celebrate 'Happiness'. It is described by Webster's as good fortune, prosperity, a state of well-being and contentment and a pleasurable or satisfying experience. You get the idea!For the next 30 days write 250 words (every day!) about something that makes you happy or would make you happy or put you in a pleasurable state of contentment. 250 is a minimum. If you can do more, then do it. Be sure to include the what, how, why, etc. If it is something that will make you happy but you don't have it then include why you don't and what you would have to do to make it happen.
You can do this daily writing prompt in your regular journal, a day planner or in a computer file titled happiness (make sure you create a shortcut on your desktop to easily get to it every day).
Examples of things that might make you happy: the kids are back in school, someone's birthday, your friends, your pets, places, objects, occasions, successes. You think of the rest. Don't worry, be happy! It had to be said.
This Month...
Considering supporting a literary magazine like Mslexia: For Women Who Write.
Daily Word Prompts
One a day keeps procrastination at bay...
- Day One:
Astute - Day Two:
Cluster - Day Three:
Rejuvenate - Day Four:
Banana - Day Five:
Boots - Day Six:
Shiver - Day Seven:
Sunlight - When the week is over write another piece using all of these words.
Oops You Don't Write Fiction
- Things to Blog About
- You get to the computer like you do every day, open up a fresh post to type something brilliant for your readers and suddenly you realize there is nothing there. Blank.Instead of writing something lame like, 'Nothing going on today... sooo bored', pick something from the list below. If you have a gr
- Personal Journal Writing Prompts
- Whether you journal with pen or with a keyboard this list of journalling prompts will help keep you writing when you feel you have nothing to write about. Search the list until you find a prompt you feel like writing about then have a go at it. Don't find one that speaks to you? That'
The Write-Brain Workbook
366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing
Never face a blank page again with this full year of "writing exercises and games designed to get thoughts brewing and the pen moving across the page." Inside you will find: 366 10-minute exercises to build momentum and turn off the left side of the brain.Get The Write-Brain Workbook from Amazon.
How prompt are you?
Do you incorporate prompts into your daily writing practice?
More to Get You Going
A little more than a word please...
Here's what it looks like:
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Better Writing
Through the wisdom of others
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
The Writers Book of Matches
1001 Prompts to Ignite Your Fiction
This writing instigator is packed with more than 1,000 creative writing prompts for beginning and professional writers. It uses situational, dialogue and point-of-view changing prompts to help writers with start stories, expand imagination and break writer's block. It is laced with sidebars full of humorous and inspiring quotes from famous authors which can be used as further prompts.Get The Writers Book of Matches from Amazon.
Author Q & A's
For inspiration...
Ever wonder what professional writers do for inspiration, procrastination or the business of writing? Then check out these author Q & A's for insight.Visit Author Q & A.
Mind-Body Magic
Creative Activities for Any Audience
"Whether you're looking for an effective way to illustrate a point, an evocative spark for creativity, an effective prelude to problem solving, or a memorable closing, Martha Belknap's vivid guided imagery, powerful mnemonic devices, and affirming metaphors for life will motivate participants to absorb and apply your message. Make any presentation more powerful with one of these 40 feel-good activities that generate surprisingly deep results. Brief (2-10 minute) exercises stretch the mind and body, activate energy, stimulate creativity, calm the restless, and set the stage for learning."Get Mind-Body Magic from Amazon.
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
Set your timer and for the next 10 - 15 minutes then write something using these ten words.
Caffeine for the Creative Mind
250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain
"Chock-full of useful exercises designed to help readers tap into a daily creative buzz. Features an edgy sketchbook design (by the authors) for visual allure. Appeals to anyone looking for easy ways to jump start their creativity. For any designer or creative type who wants to quickly limber up their imagination on a daily basis, Wired helps readers get into the creative zone, from which all their best work springs. Packed with 15-minute simple and conceptual exercises, this guide will have readers reaching for markers, pencils, digital cameras, and more in order to develop a working and productive creative mindset."Get Caffeine for the Creative Mind from Amazon.com
Vote for Writing Prompt Websites
The Write Prompts | Writing Prompts
Writing prompts for journaling, writing, or bloggi more...2 points
Personal Journal Writing Prompts
Whether you journal with pen or with a keyboard th more...1 point
creative writing prompts . com ideas for writers
Creative Writing Prompts collection of writing pro more...1 point
November 2009
Toasted Cheese Writing Community & Literary Jo more...0 points
Free Creative Writing Prompts : OnceWritten.com
The source for new and emerging authors, OnceWritt more...0 points
Dragon Writing Prompts
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Prompt Generator
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Big Window
a quick glimpse of something beautiful-- contempor more...0 points
Journals Help and Information
Do you keep a journal? Or thinking about starting more...0 points
Janet Fitch's Writing Prompts
Read WHAT IS THE WORD? THE BEST WRITING EXERCISE E more...0 points
EasyStreet Prompts
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CanTeach: English Language Arts: Writing Prompts/Journal Topics
CanTeach contains online resources for educators, more...0 points
Writing Prompts
Generate random writing prompts.0 points
Writing Prompts
From Literary Mama0 points
Writing Prompts for Journals and Writers Notebooks
From Writing Fix0 points
First 50 Words - Writing Prompts
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The Brainstormer - The Art of Andrew Bosley
A pretty visual prompter by Andrew Bosley. Has to more...0 points
The Story Starter provides more than one billion different story ideas.
The story starter provides more than one billion d more...0 points
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
Your form is: write two stanzas using the rhyming form of ottavia rima. If the momentum suits go longer.
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An Exaltation of Forms
Poetic Inspiration Through Poetic Forms
An Exaltation of Forms: Contemporary Poets Celebrate the Diversity of Their Art
Amazon Price: $24.69 (as of 09/06/2010)
This is one of my favorite poetic form books. "An Exaltation of Forms is an indispensable resource certain to find a dedicated audience among poetry lovers. The editors invited over fifty contemporary poets to select a poetic meter, stanza, or form, describe it, recount its history, and provide favorite examples. The essays represent a remarkably diverse range of literary styles and approaches, and show how the forms of contemporary English-language poetry derive from a wealth of different traditions."
Inspiration & Motivation
Writer's Little Instruction Book
"More than 300 practical writing insights, pieces of instruction, and nuggets of wisdom covering craft, inspiration, and publication -A friendly format that's value priced, for instant application anywhere, for anyone -Expert advice from an engaging and experienced "writer's writer" who knows the advice authors crave to hear. Aspiring and published writers alike will welcome the practical and witty lessons in these engaging new books."Get Inspiration and Motivation from Amazon.
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
Taking Flight
Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
Join Kelly Rae Roberts "on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community. Along the way you'll be inspired by: Step-by-step techniques-learn the most-loved mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists, and combine them in fresh and unexpected ways. Thought-provoking prompts and quotes-along with encouraging stories, insights and gentle guidance for finding your bliss, whatever your art or craft. Plenty of eye candy-pages and pages of the author's endearing artwork, along with the varied works of the contributors."Get Taking Flight from Amazon.
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
The Writer's Idea Book
"With over 500 idea-generating prompts, this is the book you will reach for time after time to jump start your creativity and develop original ideas. Four distinctive sections offer dozens of unique approaches to "freeing the muse," each geared toward a different stage of writing."Get The Writer's Idea Book from Amazon.
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
If You Like This Lens Then...
Wide Open
Inspiration & Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge
A collection of 50 cards inspirational cards and a creativity journal. Each card is designed to stretch your observational and chronicling skills.Get Wide Open from Amazon.
Writing Prompt
Prompt Get ready to write before you read...
You may recognize this line from Justin Cronin's The Passage.
"Before she became the Girl from Nowhere--the One Who Walked In, the First and Last and Only, who lived a thousand years--she was just a little girl from Iowa, named..."
Continue writing for 10 - 15 minutes (or longer).
A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words
Image-Driven Story Prompts and Excercises for Writers
Photographs make great writing prompts for the visual writer. They are even good if you are not a visual person because they force you to step outside your comfort zone. This book shows that a picture IS worth one thousand words. Your written words. It contains 110 photos that promise to provide you with visual inspiration for your story writing. But just in case you need a little more of a shove a written prompt is tagging along.Get A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words from Amazon.
Visual Prompt
Photographer - Dominic Alves. After you have written about this image take a journey over to the photographer's photostream for more inspiration.
Journal Magic!
Lessons in Therapeutic Writing
"This book contains just about everything you'll need to help you open the door, break through your resistances, and get started with your journal writing. The sooner you begin your writing life, the sooner you will discover the magic and power that you carry within." Vent, brainstorm, remember, reflect, and learn.Get Journaling Magic! from Amazon.
A "Word" Prompt
I love words! Words make great prompts and lead to new ideas. Add this new word to your writing today.
- rubric: Dictionary.com Word of the Day
- rubric: a title, heading, or the like, written or printed in red or otherwise distinguished from the...
Book-in-a-Week
Rather write on your own? Then here is some butt in chair, hands on keyboard inspiration for you to wear while writing.
Women's Plus Size V-Neck Dark T-Shirt
Price: 26.99
Large Mug
Price: 15.99
Calendar Print
Price: 6.99
More Writing Block Busters!
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Blogging Memes
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You know how writers some times suffer from writers's block? Well bloggers sometimes suffer from blogger's block. Memes are foramalic templates that bloggers can use to provide interesting content to their blogs when they feel they don't have a crea...
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Catching Inspiration
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Your best ideas are going to strike at the most inopportune times. The best way to catch those eureka moments that spring up throughout the day is to be prepared for them. In the car, store a cheap voice recorder. Store a notebook (and pen) in a dra...
Writer Feedback
Are the prompts helping you write?
Please leave me some thoughts and suggestions on making this lens one of the best.
Or a healthy dose of kudos!
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martialartstraining
Jul 12, 2010 @ 7:07 pm | delete
- I write as a hobby so it usually doesnt bother me when i have writer's block, but i think next time i will try a prompt. It sounds like it might help.
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sema
Jun 13, 2010 @ 8:17 am | delete
- What wonderful exercises to spark your creativity! 5*
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Gail47
Apr 12, 2010 @ 9:43 am | delete
- Every time I visit this lens I find more fascinating prompts. So many prompts, so little time... Thanks for putting this lens together for those of us who sometimes need a prompt or two. Absolutely fascinating. Plus it really helps with BIW, too.
Edie
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Norma_Budden Mar 19, 2010 @ 3:22 pm | delete
- Congrats on the purple star!It has been featured at http://www.squidoo.com/purple-star-awards-2
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Squidster
Mar 13, 2010 @ 6:28 pm | delete
- Excellent choice for a Purple Star award. Congratulations!
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marsha32
Mar 12, 2010 @ 11:10 pm | delete
- awesome incentive lens! congrats on your purple star
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vallain Mar 12, 2010 @ 7:52 pm | delete
- A big thanks for all these writing prompts websites. I supply weekly writing prompts to my family memory writing groups, so I'm always on the lookout for topics for them.
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BigGirlBlue
Mar 13, 2010 @ 4:00 pm | delete
- You're welcome. If they have internet be sure to give them the link to the blog too so they can sign up for daily updates!
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SarahJ3.
Mar 2, 2010 @ 10:25 pm | delete
- Hi! Thank you so much for the 31 Women of March Prompt Challenge. I wrote down twenty-five names of women I know last night -- friends, family, and co-workers. For some reason I started with my Aunt Margaret's name and began to flesh out her life on paper. Before I knew it I found myself flowing with a story based on her life and her son's life. I even got a visual of the hero I'd use. Tonight I'm working on writing out my mother's profile and just remembering funny things that happened while I was growing up and how much history I've lived through. I've spent the last 3 months reading romance novel after novel, thinking, I could never write like them. Thanks again for teaching others and when I write and sell that best-seller I'll let you know. Best regards. Keep encouraging others with your wisdom.
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BigGirlBlue
Mar 2, 2010 @ 10:34 pm | delete
- You're welcome Sarah! Thank you so much for commenting on the prompt and your writing progress with it. I hope you have a delightful month full of fabulous women. Happy writing!
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Treasures-By-Brenda
Jan 27, 2010 @ 8:13 pm | delete
- Nice resource!
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kimark421
Jan 8, 2010 @ 6:38 pm | delete
- No fluff or lint on this lens. It's certainly not vapid. Your writing prowess is amazing, and I should see amazing gains from what I have learned here. There is nothing questionable about this info, so I will give it a whirl. By the way 5*s for a great lens!! I'm giving back billboard,acoustics, fishy, and sonnet. Too lazy to use those too...
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deannatroupe
Jan 3, 2010 @ 11:44 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! You've inspired me to create a writing related lens this week!
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ReggieLutz
Dec 29, 2009 @ 9:24 pm | delete
- great lens
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clouda9
Dec 14, 2009 @ 12:28 am | delete
- Oh lordy it has been ages since I've been back in here - big hand slap :) Love your prompts as usual!
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Previously Featured Books
No book shelf is ever too big...
The Writer's Block: 786 Ideas to Jump-Start Your Imagination
Here's a huge nudge for your creativity. Or a 3" x 3" x 3" block that is. This creativity block contains 672 pages including 200 photographs designed to get the juices flowing. When you need a nudge flip the block open anywhere for an idea or exercise. You'll also find bits on how some of the top authors find their ideas and inspiration. Be warned! This book takes away your writer's block excuse.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 09/06/2010)
A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words: Image-Driven Story Prompts and Exercises for Writers
Photographs make great writing prompts for the visual writer. They are even good if you are not a visual person because they force you to step outside your comfort zone. This book shows that a picture IS worth one thousand words. Your written words. It contains 110 photos that promise to provide you with visual inspiration for your story writing. But just in case you need a little more of a shove a written prompt is tagging along.
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 09/06/2010)
Journal Jumpstarts: Quick Topics and Tips for Journal Writing
This popular little book has been updated to include more than 100 NEW topics to "jumpstart" your students when they need help finding something to write about - making a total of more than 400 topics. It also includes the most practical advice you are likely to find on the subject of journal writing in the classroom.
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 09/06/2010)
Unjournaling: Daily Writing Exercises that Are NOT Personal, NOT Introspective, NOT Boring!
"The more than 200 impersonal but engaging writing prompts in this exercise book help students practice their writing skills without asking them to share personal thoughts they would rather keep to themselves. Quirky, challenging, and humorous, the ideas encourage lighthearted creativity with such topics as writing about a girl named Dot without using any letters with dots (such as i or j), describing a person named Chris by the reactions of others as he walks into a room, or creating three completely different sentences with the word crumpled."
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 09/06/2010)
The Pocket Muse
"The rich variety of exercises will help writers to create entire stories or focus on a single aspect of their writing. It will also encourage them to think about how they write in new and surprising ways. The Pocket Muse is truly a unique book, both fun and effective. It will teach, cheer and inspire writers as never before."
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 09/06/2010)
Twitter? Then Follow Me...
- BigGirlBlue
- aka BigGirlBlue
- 1,293 followers
- 1,810 following
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- @kimmieoftroy Totallly! I've seen a couple episodes. My MIL is on the verge.
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- Tea it is. Kettle is on. If this keeps up I may have to dig out my slippers. Or force the dog to lie on my feet.
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- It's getting pretty chilly in here. I may have to make some tea.
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- @fatnutritionist They probably whizz across the floor pretty good.
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- It's amazing what you can accomplish when you shut off the tv.
Twitter? Then Follow Me...
- PromptWriter
- aka M. E. Wood
- 170 followers
- 260 following
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- [The Write Prompts]: Journal Mondays http://www.thewriteprompts.com/2010/09/journal-mondays-64/ #prompts
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- [The Write Prompts]: Quote: Elsa Maxwell http://www.thewriteprompts.com/2010/09/quote-elsa-maxwell/
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- [The Write Prompts]: Continue On Saturday http://www.thewriteprompts.com/2010/09/continue-on-saturday-3/ #prompts
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- [The Write Prompts]: Dirty Dozen Fridays http://www.thewriteprompts.com/2010/09/dirty-dozen-fridays-33/ #prompts
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- @anyabast I agree. Things were pretty good for a while but everything looks drained and crunchy. I'd take a few days of rain right now.
Evolution of a Lens
- The Write Prompts | Writing Prompts
- Creative writing prompts for journaling, fiction writing, poetry writing or blogging.
by BigGirlBlue
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