writermag.com • The Writer | 31
Ah, writing prompts – the forgotten fire
starter for your writing practice. Spark blank
pages into endless possibilities with these
eight creativity-boosting exercises.
BY HOPE LYDA
REKINDLE
THE FLAME
REKINDLE
THE FLAME
What did you do over summer
vacation? When this prompt
was assigned to me on the first
day of every year of middle
school, I resisted the urge to
pen fictional tales of walking
across hot coals in Hawaii
(while juggling coconuts!).
Instead, I confessed to picking
Oregon strawberries in order to
earn money for school clothes.
If this middle school classic
was the last writing prompt
you used, then 1) I hope the
sting of vacation shaming
faded as quickly as an Oregon
tan, and 2) I have great news
for you as you plan your writing
year. Daily prompts have done
some growing up. They are
kindling that ignite a hearty
writing practice...and maybe a
passion project.
Here are eight benefits of a
prompt practice, along with
examples to stir up your writing.