I used to think writing prompts needed to be these huge, epic ideas, but my friend's simple one about a lost key changed my mind.

For years, I'd try to come up with these big world-building concepts or complex magic systems before I could even start a story. It was like I needed a full novel outline just to write a short piece. Then, about six months ago, my friend gave me a prompt that just said, 'A character finds a key they lost three years ago, in a place they go every day.' That was it. I wrote a 2,000 word story in one sitting, which never happens for me. It made me realize that a small, specific, everyday thing can open up way more interesting character stuff than a giant plot. Now I look for prompts that are simple and grounded, not epic. Has anyone else found that simpler prompts work better for getting you to actually write?

2 comments

2 Comments

derek_dixon783d ago

Yeah, the tiny details thing is so true.

claireg813d ago

Totally! I got stuck for ages trying to write a sci-fi epic. Then I wrote about someone making a weird sandwich, and it just flowed. The tiny details are where the real story lives.