Sugar and Spice and Writing So Nice

Sometimes writing begins with a kernel of an idea that kickstarts a paragraph or plot and grows into a novel. Other times writers throw words down on a page to see what sticks. Either style has the possibility of generating greatness or disaster. It all depends on the writer’s ability to string the best words together, embed a fitting tone, and incorporate a first-class plot with added surprises and twists.

So, how does a newbie writer or wannabe author get there? The answer is not black and white, it’s multifaceted and screaming with opinions and options.

One way to hone your craft as a writer is to snuggle up to those irksome writing prompts you see on writing pages and read about in blogs. Some people find them irresistible, and some wouldn’t touch them with a thirty-nine-and-a half-foot pole. Whether you’re fond of them or your mantra is stink, stank, stunk, writing prompts are a fabulous way to flex your writing muscles and get your creative juices flowing. They function as a starting point to spark ideas.

The more you write, the better you get. Whether you pen something sweet or edgy, is up to you. The beauty of a writing prompt is that given identical prompts, no two people will write the same passage. Instead, each will produce something unique, and each will walk away with a lesson in writing. Their purpose is to force you to write on the fly and compel you to practice your craft. A win-win.

Even if you decide not to follow through with the actual writing, they have a knack for ushering in a plethora of new and sometimes wacky ideas.

Assorted Writing Prompts: (There are many more)

Expository Prompt: The writer is asked to explain, investigate, describe, or expand on a prompted idea through their writing.

Narrative Prompt: The writer is asked to write about what happened in response to a question or statement.

Persuasive Prompt: The writer is asked to convince the reader to accept their opinion on a given topic by swaying them with words.

Essay Prompt: The writer is asked to draft an essay in response to a presented topic or issue followed by a series of questions.

Mad Libs Prompt: The writer fills in the blanks on a crafted paragraph, containing word prompts, to come up with a distinctive piece.

Photo Prompt: The writer contemplates an image or uses a set of items to create an interesting paragraph or story.

Genre Prompt: The writer is given a specific genre with precise names and words to include in their passage.

Explicit Prompt: The writer is given a specific setting or time period along with a set of statements and questions.

Words/Ideas Prompt: The writer is asked to write a scene based on a given set of words and ideas.

I couldn’t end this without gifting you with a writing prompt: