Sometimes, it’s easy to leap into the next scene we’re creating with little prompting. We know what needs to happen next and all that’s needed is to sit down and begin. Other times, a little more motivation is required.
This month, I’ve created a number of creative writing prompts that I hope will be useful wherever you are in your writing process, and regardless of how little or how much of a kickstart you need. They’re designed to be used whether you’re hoping to generate something completely new, or to incorporate in your current work-in-progress, and whether you’re working on fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or some other creative outlet entirely.
Set a timer for 5, 7 or 10 minutes, or longer, depending on the time available to you. Work through all the prompts in one sitting, or select one each week of this month … whatever works for you.
1. Warm Up
Use the following five words in a piece of writing:
- pen
- post
- orange
- imagine
- elephant
This could be the next scene, a poem, or simply stream-of-consciousness:
Alternatively, create your own list of five words and warm up with them instead.
2. Poem
Read the poem ‘The Orange’ by Wendy Cope, which you can read on the website, The Gladdest Thing.
(And if you like it, you might want to check out her poetry collection of the same name on Allen & Unwin’s website.
Use the line ‘as ordinary things often do’ as your prompt.
You may also wish to use the last line of the poem as another prompt (and which is included on the cover of Cope’s book).
3. Objects
1. Create a list of objects. Depending on your current work-in-progress, you may wish to create a list of objects around you right now, the objects from a memory, or the objects that are in the room your character is in.
2. Select one object from your list.
- what’s the object’s history?
- how did you/your character come to have it?
- what does it mean to your character?
- What might it be a symbol, motif or metaphor for?
4. Books
Choose one or more books and reflect on the significance of these books. What memories do these books evoke?
Include one or more books in a scene.
5. Safe and Uncomfortable Spaces
What activity, social setting or place creates discomfort for you or your character? Why?
Now, think of a place where you or your character feel safe.
If you able to visit this place, then do so. If not, close your eyes and imagine being there.
Describe using your five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste.
How does this place make you feel? Where do you (or your character) feel this in the body?
When is place most likely to be visited?
Write a scene that is set in either a place that feels uncomfortable or safe (or incorporate the two in subsequent scenes).
