Last meal
The bad news: Your character has been captured by a monster who intends to eat him or her for dinner. The good news: The monster … Read More “Last meal”
Writing Prompts
A dark surprise
Write about a time your character uncovered something that should’ve stayed buried.
Teaching moment
Take something you have recently learned – a fact, a skill – and give it to one of your characters in a significant way. Make … Read More “Teaching moment”
Space treats
Local foods are a must-try when you visit a new city. Nashville’s known for its hot chicken, New York for its bagels, Chicago for its … Read More “Space treats”
Romance writing prompt: Tripped & fell in love
Write about two characters who trip over each other and fall in love inexplicably. Are they opposites? Do they start out enemies? Do they meet … Read More “Romance writing prompt: Tripped & fell in love”
The collection in the closet
Write about a person with a strange collection: Maybe it’s flawed stamps produced between 1949 and 1959, or abandoned left shoes, or – gulp – … Read More “The collection in the closet”
Late summer writing prompt: The simple things
Write about a small summertime moment in which you (or your character) felt perfectly content.
Fiction writing prompt: Coloring your characters
Create a color palette for all of the characters in your novel. Who leans more towards warm tones, and who prefers cool ones? Who dresses … Read More “Fiction writing prompt: Coloring your characters”
You scream, I scream
Your local ice cream parlor has a dark secret. What is it – and what happens when someone finds out?
Writing prompt: These boots were made for talking
Write a short story or poem from the perspective of a pair of shoes. What kind of shoes are they? What kind of life have … Read More “Writing prompt: These boots were made for talking”
Featured Posts
Thirty-four tech products to revolutionize your writing
This software can make your writing process easier, more effective, and possibly even more fun. Read More “Thirty-four tech products to revolutionize your writing”
Avoid these submission sins when querying an agent
As a young aspiring writer, I was fortunate enough to go to college in New York, the heart of American publishing. I hoped learning how … Read More “Avoid these submission sins when querying an agent”
Stop trash-talking your first draft
Want a surefire way to have a happier, more productive writing life? Stop calling your writing names. Read More “Stop trash-talking your first draft”