Kick Off Your Writing with a Fun Prompt

…a list to jumpstart myself when I want to write, but don’t want to think too hard about

what to write.

I have been thinking a lot lately about writing prompts. I am trying to practice Kathleen’s “15-minute gift,” and I find myself getting lost Googling different writing prompts. If I’m honest, I’m usually bored with the ideas I find online, so I’ve started writing down prompts as they come to mind and keeping an eye out for unique ideas. I’ve created a list to jumpstart myself when I want to write, but don’t want to think too hard about what to write. Here are a few of the ideas I’ve come up with:

• Use tarot cards or oracle cards as writing prompts. I saw this idea online years ago, and I love it. Card decks are great for making you think, and sometimes their explanation booklets have journaling prompts. There is even an oracle deck of different archetypes—how perfect is that?

• Keep your ears out for different names you like or find interesting. If you like the name of a diner, imagine a scene taking place at one of its tables. Stevie Nicks wrote the song “Silver Springs” based on a road sign for the town of Silver Springs, Maryland. If you like the name of someone new you meet, take some time to describe a character with that name. A character creates a story—just think: what does your character want, and what is standing in their way?

• Write a story inspired by the song you’re listening to nonstop. Songs are just brief enough to create a mood, or a snapshot, while remaining mysterious. If you find yourself wondering what a song is really about, start writing! I’ve based more than one short story on lyrics by the band The National. 

These are some of the ideas that have convinced me to sit down and get some writing done. What inspires your writing practice?