Writing prompts are one of my favourite ways to get writing started when I’m stuck. I also love coming up with crazy and creative writing prompts for the Young Writers Group. I’m always blown away by how many different stories can come from the same writing prompt.
One thing I love about writing prompts is they leave so much room for interpretation.
Depending on the purpose of your writing, you could do any of the following:
- Take an element of the writing prompt and use that (for example, if you are given an object, you could use the colour, size, or use of that object rather than the object itself)
- Take the writing prompt and set the story somewhere crazy or unusual
- Use an item in the writing prompt in an usual way (for example use a Frisbee as a dinner plate or a dinner plate as a Frisbee)
- Use the prompt to write in a different style or genre than you would normally write
- Use the prompt to write a chapter of your current work in progress – you never know where it may lead
- If you have an animal, mix it up and use it in different ways – a decoration, pet, toy, animal in a zoo etc
Unless you are using the prompt for a school assignment or to enter a competition where you may need to make sure your story is true to the writing prompt, writing prompts are the perfect starting point to get creative and do something fun.
Choose a prompt that is fun and appeals to you and then just let your imagination run wild. You never know where a simple writing prompt can lead you.
