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I never expected a prompt about a broken clock to help my writing
I always thought writing prompts were not helpful for serious writing. Then I tried one about a broken clock from a writing group. Writing from that prompt, I came up with a time travel story idea. Doing this showed me that even simple prompts can lead to complex stories. Now I use prompts regularly to overcome writer's block. They have become an important part of my writing routine.
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jade_carter1mo ago
Had a similar thing happen with a prompt about an empty room. Wrote a character study that turned into my favorite short story. Tbh, I was skeptical at first too, but now I swear by them. They just get the words flowing when nothing else does.
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carter.john1mo ago
Ugh, I'm the total opposite with prompts. Every time I try one, I just end up staring at the same cliche openings. "The alarm clock rang" or "It was a dark and stormy night." It feels like putting training wheels on a bike, then realizing you're stuck on a kid's track. They box me in instead of setting me free. I have to find my own weird starting point, like a smell or a bad joke I overheard, or my brain just shuts down.
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