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 is updated every Sunday.
Last updated June 28 for week of June 28th. Will return to update July 19. If you are desperate for a prompt fix check out the sister blog to this lens -- The Write Prompts blog.
Happy Summer Holidays!
Contents at a Glance
July Prompt Challenge
Something to work on throughout the month...
July is the height of summer. There are many activities in your community to take in. At least once a week this month take in a new activity or event that you haven't participated in before. It can be something as small as visiting the farmer's market or as big as attending a festival. The day after your outing write about the new experience, what you saw, what you learned, whether you would attend again. Include the seven servants in your pieces (who, what, where, when, why, how, tell).Every day this week write about something summery you would do if time, location and money were not an issue.
For the novelists in the group, explore one of your main character's summer addictions (either as an adult or a child) by writing at least 250 words a day. This is an exercise you may or may not include in your original manuscript but it will give you another understanding of your characters motives.
Top 100
Thanks to you this lens enjoyed placement in the Top 100 Lenses at Squidoo from October 10th - December 19th.
And it has been in the Top 200 ever since.
Thank you!
Better Writing
Through the wisdom of others
Daily Word Prompts
One a day keeps procrastination at bay...
- Day One:
Raspy - Day Two:
Odorous - Day Three:
Quincy - Day Four:
Maverick - Day Five:
Orderly - Day Six:
Fragments - Day Seven:
Whistler
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.
More to Get You Going
A little more than a word please...
Here's what it looks like:
*
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
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
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.
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...
Set your timer and for the next 10 - 15 minutes then write something using these ten words.
Vote for Writing Prompt Websites
The Write Prompts
What is a writing prompt? It is a word, picture, p more...3 points
Big Window
Lots of visual and word prompt.3 points
easystreet prompts
Over 150 prompts2 points
The Write Prompts
The Blog version of "The Write Prompts" more...1 point
Once Written Prompts
Two new prompts posted every day.0 points
Creative Writing Prompts
Creative Writing Prompts collection of writing pro more...0 points
Literary Mama Monthly Prompt
Each month, we post a writing prompt tied to the c more...0 points
Dragon Writing Prompts
I find self-reflective writing prompts uninspiring more...0 points
The First Line Literary Journal: It all starts the same but....
The purpose of The First Line is to jump start the more...0 points
Creative Writing Exercises: Random Writing Prompt Generator
Generate a random writing prompt.0 points
Toasted Cheese
Daily writing prompts for the whole month, all at more...0 points
Writer's Digest Writing Prompts
Free daily writing prompts.0 points
WritingFix: Random Writing Prompts
Another automatic generator. This one has over 500 more...0 points
CanTeach: Writing Prompts/Journal Topics
CanTeach contains online resources for educators, more...0 points
WEIRD WORDS
This loopy lens is dedicated to creating an awaren more...0 points
A Creative Journal
Loads of journal writing prompts, tips, inspiratio more...0 points
Janet Fitch Blog
Working with a one word prompt.0 points
Journals, BellaOnline
Do you keep a journal? Or thinking about starting more...0 points
Prompt Generator
Looking for ideas to write about? Use this Prompt more...0 points
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.
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
An Exaltation of Forms
Poetic Inspiration Through Poetic Forms
An Exaltation of Forms: Contemporary Poets Celebrate the Diversity of Their Art
Amazon Price: $25.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
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...
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...
How prompt are you?
Do you incorporate prompts into your daily writing practice?
Writing Prompt
Get ready to write before you read...
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.
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
Get ready to write before you read...
Opening a book and taking the first line from a chapter is a great way to get a prompt when you're in a pinch. It's important to mark them in your writing so you don't inadvertently pass them off as your own at a later date.
You may recognize this line from Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake.
"On a sticky August evening two weeks before her due date, Ashima Ganguli stands in the kitchen of a Central Square apartment, combining Rice Krispies and Planters peanuts and chopped red onion in a..."
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 - C. Edward Moran. 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.
- rampart: Dictionary.com Word of the Day
- rampart: fortification.
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
10 Things to Blog About
Some days you just can't think of anything to blog about. Instead of writing something lame like, "Nothing going on today... sooo bored", pick something from the list below.
Vote on the ones that have worked for you:
Product Review
Look around the house, there has to be something t more...2 points
More Blogging 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...
Blogging with Moxie
The IT Girl's Guide to Blogging with Moxie
"Want to break into blogging but don't know where to start? Dynamic duo Joelle Reeder and Katherine Scoleri of The Moxie GirlsTM show you how to start your first blog, polish your prose, get involved in blogging communities, make sense of RSS feeds, podcasts, photos and more - all with fun, humor and attitude! Inside you will find the need-to-know info to get your blog noticed."Get Blogging with Moxie from Amazon.
Catching Inspiration When it Strikes
They are going to strike at the most inopportune times. The best way to catch the ideas 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 drawer in the bathroom, on the beside table, in your bag/purse, in the kitchen and anywhere else you find yourself with ideas an no place to put them.
If you know great ideas come to you in the sauna then take some paper and pen in with you to capture them (don't take a nice notebook).
The key to catching your ideas is being prepared. Now go get ready for the next flow!
***
Thank you to Gia for asking such a great question!
Catching Inspiration
Sony TCM-200DV Cassette Recorder with Dual Power Source
Amazon Price: $32.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
1GB Muvo Tx MP3 Player Voice Recorder USB Red with Fm Tuner and voice recorder
Amazon Price: (as of 07/04/2009)
Machspeed Trio 2 GB MP3 Player with Voice Recorder & Thumb Drive
Amazon Price: $25.20 (as of 07/04/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
My Favorite Notebook
Nothing compares...
They come with different kinds of paper ranging from graphed to lined to blank. I have a blank one beside my chair for doodling and a lined one in my bag to capture ideas.
Moleskines come in different sizes ranging from hand size to magazine size. I find the midline most convenient for recording thought out ideas.
Moleskine Ruled Notebook Pocket
Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 07/04/2009)
Moleskine Ruled Notebook Large
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/04/2009)
Moleskine Squared Notebook Large
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/04/2009)
Writer Feedback
Are the prompts helping you write?
Leave me some thoughts and suggestions.
Or a healthy dose of kudos!
*
GumboWriters123
Great idea for a lens!
Posted June 08, 2009
HenryE wrote...
A lot of helpful information here! Your writing style and layout is very organized and inviting.
Henry
www.geothermalexperts.net
Posted May 18, 2009
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 07/04/2009)
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.
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/04/2009)
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 07/04/2009)
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: $10.36 (as of 07/04/2009)
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 07/04/2009)
Twitter? Then Follow Me...
- BigGirlBlue
- aka BigGirlBlue
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by BigGirlBlue
I'm a writer, an artist, and a brilliant procrastinator. A daily prompt is a good way to warm up or give your mind a break from your current...
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