With Halloween upon us and the days turning colder it may be a good time to stay inside and get those creative juices flowing. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, my guess is you enjoy being creative or you wouldn’t be following this blog. So open a new word doc or grab your journal and a pen and give these two writing prompts a try.
Writing prompt # 1:
Write about a time when you questioned the existence of ghosts. Or write a ghost story.
(Write for at least 20 minutes. Suspend judgment. Have fun!)
Writing prompt # 2: Explain Jack-o-lanterns to a young pumpkin. 
If you’re still not convinced writing prompts are for you, here are four reasons why you might want to try them anyway:
1. When faced with a blank page, it’s sometimes hard to know what to write about. Using a writing prompt can get your creativity flowing.
2.The things you write in response to a prompt may give you ideas for new stories. Or you may get fresh ideas for another piece you are already working on. It’s often surprising how much material you come up with once you start.
3.Writing prompts can help writers and creative types to get into the habit of writing. It stretches and builds the muscles of your imagination. As a result, you may find it easier and easier to write for longer and longer. Your other creative outlets that don’t involve writing may benefit, too.
4.Writing prompts can be a great way to get involved in a writing community. In my Fearless Writing for Women Workshops, everyone is given the same prompt and when it comes time to share it is amazing where different writers have taken their stories. This can be a source of great encouragement and can build self confidence.
Feel free to share what you write in the comments section, or tell us how it went. Happy Writing! Oh, and Happy Halloween!! xo
I think trying to explain jack-o-lanterns to a young pumpkin sounds a bit sadistic!LOL
Well, actually, I guess it does. I must have been in a weird mood when I created that one. lol. Feel free to ignore it. Or make up your own version of it that feels less sadistic.
When it comes to ghost/supernatural stories, I always thought The Monkey’s Paw set a bar that can’t be topped. So I wouldn’t even presume to write one myself.
No worries, John. To me writing prompts are like practicing scales. You don’t have to aim for anything great. It’s about keeping the instrument and the fingers warm and nimble. I used to play flute professionally, so I often think of writing from the perspective of a musician. I’ve played a lot of scales over the years, not to mention etudes, et al. And not everything you play is to be performed. It’s only a small part.
If you say you’ve played Chopin’s Etudes I’ll be impressed!
Chopin didn’t actually write anything for flute. (I don’t think so, anyway. Something else to Google….) But I’ve played some etudes written for the flute that were totally wicked and fun–mostly wicked. Perhaps the equivalent of Chopin etudes.