5 Reasons You Should Be Using Writing Prompts

You’ve all run into writing prompts all over the place – on social media, in classes, even in bookstores. 

I feel like the perception of writing prompts is that it is for new writer or else just a waste of time. Time you could be using on your novel, writing that is going to last or make a difference in the long run.

This typical view of writing prompts is kind of a shortsighted one. Writing prompts can be extremely powerful for any writer.

Here’s 5 reasons why you should use writing prompts on a regular basis, no matter where you are at in the writing/pub process.

5 Reasons to Use Writing prompts

1. Take a break from your current project: Everyone needs a change of scenery at times, and prompts area great way to keep up your writing, keep your word momentum, but give your brain a bit of a break. It allows you to write without the pressure of knowing this is going into a final product.

2. Spark creativity and ideas for the future: Along with that lowered pressure, prompts allow your creativity to flow. You aren’t restricted by the limits of your current project, so you can write that favorite character type that absolutely makes no sense for your current work in progress, or you can dive into a magic system that makes no sense to anyone but you. It is just fun to write. And if, down the line, that proves to be the basis for your next magic system because you liked it so much – you were free to enjoy writing it without all the pressure first – all the better!

3. Helps hone your voice: For new writers especially, but even for established authors, it is always good to work on your voice and style of writing. Your voice shows up no matter what genre you write. Look for prompts that push you into something different, like a drama when you normally write fantasy or an historical situation when you normally write contemporary. See how that change flexes your writing muscles to be able to write that situation in your own voice, your own style. This practice will help you in the future as you continue to expand your own stories and series.

4. Find new writing styles or genres: while authors are generally known best for one genre or style, very rarely do authors stick to one type or voice forever. So working out how to be flexible with that and finding new things that you might enjoy – pushing your limits – is invaluable. That way if YA stops selling again, if fantasy romance stops selling, and you have to face up to writing something else? You are prepared and already have an idea.

5. Be spontaneous: I’m looking at you here, plotters. It is so easy – too easy – to get stuck in the plotting and researching loop and lose sight of the ability to just sit down and write. Getting into the habit of being able to just dive in will help you on those hard, procrastination days. And just writing the prompts can get the words flowing enough, get your brain moving enough, that you’ll feel ready to dive into your current work in progress.

For more writing tips keep reading the blog and until next week, keep writing!