How To Use Writing Prompts

Learn how to use writing prompts to beat writer’s block, build a routine, and keep writing even when the words don’t come easily.

The cursor blinks. The page stays empty. The writer gets coffee. Comes back. Still nothing. More coffee. Still nothing. The writer bangs her head.

Writing prompts have saved me more than once. Some days, words come easily. Stories bubble onto the page. Other days, they don’t come at all. A writing prompt pushes me to start. It helps me experiment and fill the page, even when it feels awkward at first. It gives me permission to write badly and find my rhythm again.

As Picasso said, ‘Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.’

How To Use Writing Prompts

1. One a day keeps the blues away. It is good if you have a set, daily time to write. I don’t; I write whenever I can. Sometimes it is on the train. Sometimes it is when I am waiting for an appointment. I write at my desk. I write in my car. I write in a waiting room. Find what works for you and do it.
2. Write by hand. I use an A4 hardcover spiral-bound notebook. I use a sharp pencil or a black pen. Writing by hand when I do a prompt works for me, but if an iPad and a stylus or a keyboard works for you, go for it.
3. Set a timer and keep writing. I usually set a timer for ten minutes. I don’t have to stop after ten minutes, but I can’t stop before then. I have to write for the whole time. The more you practice the easier it will be to keep going.
4. It is open to interpretation. There are no rules except to keep your hand moving and to write for the whole time. What you end up writing about will surprise you. It starts out as one thing and ends up as something entirely unexpected. Don’t censor yourself. Embrace it.
5. Don’t Google prompts — at least not on the day. I do find prompts on the internet, but I print them out. We publish a month of prompts on the first day of every month for you to download. The danger of Googling them is that I keep looking for one I like and then, I spend an hour on the internet instead of writing. If you want to receive a daily prompt, click here to join our mailing list.
6. Reap the rewards. Your notebook will be a great place to harvest story ideas, especially when Short Story Season, comes around. You can of course use them for any other month as well.
7. Unwinding. Prompts also give you a break from your novel, but you can also use them to explore characters and alternate scenes for your book.

The Last Word

I cannot stress the importance of writing daily. Writing prompts won’t solve every difficult writing day, but they will get you started when the page feels empty. They help you build momentum, try new ideas, and keep your writing habit alive. The important thing is to keep showing up and let the words follow. Practice makes perfect.

Happy writing.

by Mia Botha

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