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Prompts to start you writing
Merlin Mann | Sep 7 2005
Imagination Prompt Generator: Writing Inspiration at the Press of a Button Getting started with any writing project can be made a bit easier by the equivalent of cracking your knuckles—by doing some kind of short writing exercise that just gets your hands moving. I know it sounds crazy, but I sometimes think it’s your hands being in motion that let your brain know that “the writing zone” has been entered, far more than the other way around. If you enjoyed Hack your way out of writer’s block, you might also dig this little trick: a page that gives you random suggestions, or prompts, for topics about which you can write whatever you like. A few examples:
They have links to more prompts and creativity helpers below the button including these and these. Like practicing scales before singing or stretching your legs before a run, little hacks like this can take the trauma out of the blank page (or keep you from metaphorically pulling something, I suppose). I also like that they get you thinking about ideas outside your usual comfort zone (even though a few sound remarkably like awful LiveJournal memes). Technorati Tags: tips, writing 4 Comments
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 Awww, I *like* the LJ...Submitted by Elizabeth Genco (not verified) on September 9, 2005 - 4:17am.
Awww, I like the LJ memes! Point taken, though, and your list is hysterical. Some folks call ‘em wussy, but I’ve always loved writing prompts. I have books full of them. In addition to getting the creativity swirling about, they’re a great way to blow off steam and experiment. A recent good one I’ve found is called THE 3 A.M. EPIPHANY. They’re more exercises than prompts, but they serve a certain mood and intention. If you want lots of topics for free writing, try any of Judy Reeve’s books. I find it kind of curious and cool that I sometimes want to write but don’t want to be bothered with thinking up a topic on my own. »
Creative Writing Prompts Prompts to start...Submitted by GBGames' Blog (not verified) on September 7, 2005 - 7:25am.
Creative Writing Prompts Prompts to start you writing provides a link to a site to help you get into the writing mood. The Imagination Prompt Generator actually generates topics for you to write about. Some examples that came up when I tried it out: “One thing I want… »
Blogging Prompts Faced with a case...Submitted by Ian's Messy Desk (not verified) on September 7, 2005 - 10:08am.
Blogging Prompts Faced with a case of writer’s or blogger’s block? Visit the Imagination Prompt Generator at the Creativity Portal… »
The Imagination Prompt Generator Creativity can...Submitted by Lifehacker (not verified) on September 8, 2005 - 10:00am.
The Imagination Prompt Generator Creativity can be tough at times and I know exactly how hard writer’s block can be. Sometimes you’ll try anything to get yourself an idea. The Imagination Prompt Generator, from Creativity Portal, is a nice little Web application that… »
About Merlin Mann Bio Merlin Mann is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster. He’s best known for being the guy who started the website you’re reading right now. He lives in San Francisco, does lots of public speaking, and helps make cool things like You Look Nice Today. Also? He looks like this, answers questions, and has something like a life. Merlin’s favorite thing he’s written recently is a short essay called, “Better.” |
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