What was the first album you bought with your own money?
Write about your very first album purchase – and what that music meant to you. Alternatively, write about your main character’s first album.
Writing Prompts
Out for the summer: An end-of-the-school-year writing prompt
A school teacher is packing up the classroom for summer vacation when a student walks into the room. The student reveals something that will change … Read More “Out for the summer: An end-of-the-school-year writing prompt”
Summer writing prompt: Water, water everywhere
Write about you (or your main character’s) earliest memory involving water.
Avoiding cliché characters in fiction
Take a widely-known cliché character – the ditzy cheerleader, the dumb jock, the workaholic lawyer, the no-good cheating husband, the cat lady, etc. – and … Read More “Avoiding cliché characters in fiction”
Your most memorable Mother’s Day
Write at least 500 words about your most memorable Mother’s Day. (Alternatively, follow the same prompt about your protagonist’s most memorable Mother’s Day.)
Your first line
Sometimes the hardest part is coming up with the first line. Use one, or all, of these first lines: • Charlene leaned closer to the … Read More “Your first line”
Superstory
If you (or your main character) could have any superhuman power, what would it be? Whether it’s being invisible, being able to crawl up buildings, … Read More “Superstory”
Talking points
Write three pages of dialogue with two goals in mind: Make every word count, and don’t bore the reader! Now, take one line from one … Read More “Talking points”
Eavesdropping
Choose one of these bits of overheard dialogue as a jumping-off point for a short story: • “What was the point of all that?” • … Read More “Eavesdropping”
The life-changing magic of tidying up (your drafts)
Minimalism isn’t just effective for your household and your sanity; it can help your writing, too. -Open your latest draft and copy a portion … Read More “The life-changing magic of tidying up (your drafts)”
Featured Posts
Ten essential resources for nonfiction writers
A creative nonfiction instructor opens up her truthteller’s toolbox and shares the aids she relies on most. Read More “Ten essential resources for nonfiction writers”
The best writing conferences in America
Our readers pick the top event in each state. Read More “The best writing conferences in America”
The psychology of world building
Use these tips and exercises to make any story come to life on the page. Read More “The psychology of world building”