There are times when you just stare at the computer screen,
or empty sheet of paper, and you just can’t seem to get any ideas what to write
about. It happens to all writers, you aren’t alone.
.
But when the deadlines are looming you HAVE to find a way to
get the juices flowing. How can you jump-start your brain? And those same
deadlines that necessitate your working may also build a paralyzing level of
stress.
Writing prompts are a popular way for writers to get things
moving. Here are a few prompts to use: making a list around a specific theme;
pick any word in the dictionary and write three to five sentences using that
word; write down a favorite memory; list your five closest friends and assign
them each a spirit animal; or any combination of word play or association
games.
Free write for 15 to 30 minutes. Simply write about ANYTHING.
Use a timer and don’s stray from the pre-set time you’ve allotted.
Re-write the ending to a book you’ve read or a TV show you
watched. Or write a short, short fiction about what happens AFTER a newspaper
headline article.
There are other ways writers start their brains. Leave your
desk/office and take a walk.
Play music and sing along, it’s even better when
you DON’T know the words.
Exercise!
If you are like me and often have multiple projects going at
the same time, simply switch to another project.
Play a quick FEW computer games and relax your brain, just be
careful to limit the time you do spend playing so you don’t waste the entire
day.
Some writers need a quiet place to work, others like a commotion
around them so that they can force themselves to concentrate on the task at
hand. You might find the writing mentality comes easier when you have a set
place to do your writing, something that hopefully is not associated with some
other time consuming activity. Do the words flow easier when you type on the
computer keypad? Maybe longhand in a composition book is more your style/ Even
throwing on a specific piece of clothing can help like an old sweater, a
feather boa, a long flannel shirt, etc.
Writing Exercise: Write short stories using one of the
following as your first line: (1) everyone in the community knew that the old
man didn’t die of natural causes because… (2) I went to the store to buy some
_________, but they were out of stock, so I had to make _____________ instead,
(3) I was running so late for work this morning and when I got there I told my
boss I was late because ________________, he didn’t buy it.
Writing Prompt: Choose your favorite dish to eat, make a
list of the ingredients, but DO NOT look in your cookbook.
Challenge Assignment: Pick an inanimate object in the
room most used in your home. FROM THAT OBJECT’S POV, describe the past 72
hours.
