Writing prompts are very handy when you write on a regular basis and need a break or just have a case of writer's block.
In addition to other resources for writers, Writer's Digest as a library of writing prompts that as of this article takes up four entire pages.
CreativeWritingPrompts.com has 302 free prompts that you can view by hovering the mouse over the prompt number. Some of these are pretty funny.
The Teacher's Corner appears to be where all of our grade school and middle school teachers are getting prompts for English classes and journals. This site appears handy for parents looking for home schooling resources, and all the prompts have some sort of historical or educational value to them.
Creativity-portal.com is one of the more impressive and useful sites that I found. I'll actually be adding it to favorites to visit often. It has prompts for bloggers as well.
Writingfix.com also has a prompt generator. It looks like it was designed for fiction stories.
Showing posts with label getting ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting ideas. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
How to Get Writing Ideas
I believe that writer's block comes from two things: not being prepared or wanting your writing to be perfect on the first draft. In this article, I will address both of these issues and help you get a better flow of ideas going for you.
1) One of the first things you need to do is get in a habit of carrying a notebook and something to write with wherever you go.
We all have down time--waiting in line at the post office, doctor's office, etc. You can brainstorm during these times and come back to your ideas later when you're home. This has personally allowed me to come up with dozens of short stories I don't think I would've done otherwise. If you want to do it, keep separate notebooks by your bed and in your car as well. Just remember to write down that great idea you get in your car when you get to a red light--not while the car is moving.
2) Read.
I've also found it helpful to keep some reference books in your home office about the area you like to write about. It's always good to read about a book a month to keep your mind sharp and help you to spark some ideas. This makes some writers uncomfortable--thinking it's going to limit their creativity--but for me it's had the opposite effect. I sometimes even read a little of people I disagree with (don't buy their books--just read a few pages) and have an idea of how I'd put a topic in my perspective.
3) Don't worry about getting things right on the first draft.
While I was in school, I used to be so worried about getting a paper back with red ink on it. Now I actually like it when I run copy past other people and have them catch my mistakes. It makes your final draft better than if you keep it to yourself.
There are a lot of great web sites for writers that are very nice and helpful when it comes to reviews. One of my personal favorites with a great community is Writing.com.
Tips:
1) One of the first things you need to do is get in a habit of carrying a notebook and something to write with wherever you go.
We all have down time--waiting in line at the post office, doctor's office, etc. You can brainstorm during these times and come back to your ideas later when you're home. This has personally allowed me to come up with dozens of short stories I don't think I would've done otherwise. If you want to do it, keep separate notebooks by your bed and in your car as well. Just remember to write down that great idea you get in your car when you get to a red light--not while the car is moving.
2) Read.
I've also found it helpful to keep some reference books in your home office about the area you like to write about. It's always good to read about a book a month to keep your mind sharp and help you to spark some ideas. This makes some writers uncomfortable--thinking it's going to limit their creativity--but for me it's had the opposite effect. I sometimes even read a little of people I disagree with (don't buy their books--just read a few pages) and have an idea of how I'd put a topic in my perspective.
3) Don't worry about getting things right on the first draft.
While I was in school, I used to be so worried about getting a paper back with red ink on it. Now I actually like it when I run copy past other people and have them catch my mistakes. It makes your final draft better than if you keep it to yourself.
There are a lot of great web sites for writers that are very nice and helpful when it comes to reviews. One of my personal favorites with a great community is Writing.com.
Tips:
- Keep yourself in a habit of writing, even if it's not the masterpiece of work you're wanting. It makes things easier when you take on a larger project.
- When you fill up a notebook, put it in a filing cabinet. The next time writer's block hits you, you have a whole set of ideas you can start on.
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