Fighting a case of writer’s block? Use these creative writing prompts
This post is all about creative writing prompts.
You can trust me when I say I’ve had my share of writer’s block. As a lifelong writer, I’ve gone weeks or months without writing a poem, story, or blog post. I’ve had times when I could barely even journal. But guess what? I don’t experience writer’s block much anymore. Why? I have fool-proof strategies that work, every time. One of them is a list of kick-butt creative writing prompts that I’m about to share with you.
Look, writing prompts are just one way to combat writer’s block. I could give you a dozen tips that will help you break down that wall. In this post, I’m going to focus on 25 creative writing prompts, but I’m also going to give you a BONUS tip on how to fill those blank pages haunting you.
Remember, when it comes to fighting writer’s block, you’re not always trying to get the BEST poem or story onto paper. Rather, you’re simply trying to pour out words until you can get your creative juices flowing again.
This post is all about creative writing prompts.
25 fool-proof creative writing prompts
1. Spill a Secret
Think about a secret that someone once told you, that you’ve never shared with anyone. Now tell a journal or a fresh document! Don’t worry about making it sound pretty, this exercise is simply about getting words onto a page. Since you’re not going to share it with anyone (unless you edit it afterwards to protect the secret-holder’s privacy) you have the freedom to spill away!
2. Write to your future child
Whether or not you’re planning on having kids in the future (or even if you already have kids), write a letter to your future, unborn child. Perhaps you want to tell them what the world is like, or warn them of the trials they may have to endure. (This is one of my favourite creative writing prompts!)
3. Create the perfect scenario
Write about a situation in your life that was or is really hard. Firstly, tell the story. Next, rewrite it with the outcome that YOU want.
4. Out the window
Look outside your bedroom window. What do you see? What stands out to you?
5. Be a gossiper
Don’t actually! That was just my fancy way of telling you to write about a conversation you overheard or a rumour someone told you.
6. Play the opposite role
Think of an opinion, belief, or point of view that you strongly disagree with. Next, write as though you were trying to convince someone else that it’s true (even though you don’t believe it!).
7. Kicking the addiction!
Write about how and why you got addicted to something (could be something as simple as coffee, your phone, chocolate, etc).
8. Your perfect life
Describe your perfect life. Where would you live? Who would you talk to? Who would your family be? What would you do? Eat? Say?
9. Be the weatherman
Sometimes, writing about the simplest things allows for the most creativity. Creative writing prompts that focus on something small and simple allow you to spend more time on figurative language and imagination.
10. “They’ve taken another one.”
Start with this sentence, and create away!
11. “She lost it.”
Same deal!
12. Text message inspiration
Look at the last text you sent. Whatever it is, use it as your writing prompt.
13. Bread and Butter
Snack on a really bland or simple food, such as bread, plain chips, or rice and write about the experience in detail. I love this creative writing prompt because it’s a great way to focus on being super descriptive, even if it sounds like it’s about something useless.
14. Prayer
Whether you believe in God or not, write a prayer asking for something you desperately want.
15. Gratitude
Make a list of 3 things you’re thankful for. Following this, choose one of those items and go into detail about why you’re so thankful for it.
16. Play dress-up
Choose an article of clothing from your closet. Start your piece by describing what you’re wearing and where you’re going dressed in it.
17. Crushin’
Write about your first kiss (or make one up!)
18. Turn on Google maps!
Write about a time you got lost.
19. Speaking to a stranger
Dream up a conversation with a stranger on a plane or bus. Who are they? What do you talk about? How long do you speak for?
20. An old love story
Write about how you think your grandparents met. Alternatively, if you already know their story, rewrite it, adding your own details.
21. Get a mentor
Find a poem you like and mimic the format. I am NOT telling you to plagiarize – use the poem as inspiration but write about a different person or experience!
22. IG Inspo!
Open Instagram and write about the first caption you see.
23. Amnesia
You go to hang out with your friends but none of them remember your name or who you are. Consequently, you have to describe yourself to them.
24. Trauma
Make a list of at least 10 words that come to mind when you think of the word “trauma.” Next, write a piece including all those words.
25. Hard day on the job
Write about a bad experience you had at your very first job.
BONUS TIP!
This is the simplest tip I could possibly tell you: don’t stop writing. There are a few reasons why. Firstly, when you’re experiencing writer’s block, everything you write for a while will probably leave you frustrated because it doesn’t turn out how you want it. Rather than getting hung up over it, keep writing! Spill your ideas onto paper and eventually, your creativity will be juicier than ever. Secondly, you won’t be able to break through that wall if you let it filter the words you write. Instead, let go of all the expectations you have of yourself and just WRITE!
Finally, I want to hear from you. Try one of the above creative writing prompts and comment telling me how it went, or email me your piece! I would love to see your progress.
You have come up with some really unique ways to write creatively! Some of your ideas brought a smile to my lips and laughter to my heart!
I’ve chosen to write about gratitude! I am grateful for my warm winter clothes, which allow me to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. I’m grateful for morning cuddles with my pooches. There’s nothing like cuddling up to a soft, warm doggie when I wake up grumpy…. yes, it’s true. I wake up grouchy at times! Lastly, I’m grateful for all the delectable food that is so readily available …. most notably: olives, dark chocolate, coffee, specialty cheeses and fresh-baked breads! I sound like a real gourmand! I am!
I hope that others will write creatively on some of the other topics suggested! It is such a great feeling to express oneself!
I especially agree with the coffee part ? thank you for sharing!