You don’t have to work on your writing project every day.
Yes, really.
Does this mean you shouldn’t write every day?
Heck no!
I really believe there is a benefit to not writing when you are stuck. Sure, if you just rather watch Famous in Love than write, then you should write. But if you keep staring at your Word document and nothing is coming to you, then you should absolutely step away from your book. Sometimes a break is really good for creativity.
That doesn’t mean you get a day off of writing. You still have to write. Just not on your current project.
So if you aren’t working on your writing project, then what do you write?
You write using writing prompts! I can hear you groan. Yes, writing prompts. I promise they are not all like the terrible prompt you got in elementary school where you had to write an essay about your summer vacation (however, if that appeals to you, go for it).
Before I give you some prompts that won’t take you back to the world of blackboards, let’s go over writing prompts are important. First of all, they keep you in the writing habit when you aren’t working on your actual main writing project. It helps you keep your 9 AM writing appointment and means you won’t get rusty. Secondly, it might jog new ideas for your big writing project. By completing a writing prompt related to character development, it might help you finally figure out how to make your villain more complex. Also, it is good for creativity. When you don’t have the pressure of doing anything with your writing, you can take more creative risks without fear. Finally, it is good for your writing skills. Whenever you can try new types of writing, you become a better writer.
Okay, now, without further ado, here are a week’s worth of writing prompts to get you started.
1. Write fanfiction set in your favorite fictional world.
2. Write a story that doesn’t include the letter “i.”
3. Describe your childhood bedroom in detail. Be sure to use all five senses.
4. Write out the dialogue of your first date.
5. Have your friend tell you a story. Record it and transcribe it. Read it over and discover what works and what doesn’t with the storytelling.
6. Write a scene where a character reacts in an unexpected way. For example, a character smiles at a breakup or gets angry when he or she wins the lottery.
7. Write a recipe for an abstract concept (i.e. friendship).
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