Writing is no easy feat. In fact, it can be quite the pain. Half the struggle is finding inspiration, which is why my Bookstr buddy Vphan and I have compiled some simple topics to fuel your creativity. Forget about trying to author a Magnum Opus and just write, write, write! Read on to find your next prompt.
Small, Everyday Minor Topics
When easing back into your writing and getting those creative juices flowing, maybe start off small with topics that won’t cause your brain to implode on itself. These topics don’t have to be hard-hitting or serious. In fact, you want to try ones that are lighthearted that can help you jot something down on the page. Pen themes about your favorite flower, getting into meditation, songs you love dancing around the house or cleaning to, or a wondrous dream you had last night. Whatever the topic, keep it light and easy to help you freely move about that blank page.
Give Your Favorite Movie or Book a Twist!
Have you ever thought about your favorite movie or book and how it ended or began? Maybe there was a scene or moment you wanted to see expanded on or fleshed out more, but alas, you’re left to wonder. Now you’re stuck in a writing rut, ruminating on what to write about. Well, it’s time to rethink those favorite movies and books of yours and give them that twist you’ve always wanted to! Add your creative imaginings and flair to some of your beloved media and watch as your creativity starts flowing.
Discover Cool Writing Prompts From Writing Sites
Writing sites like Writer’s Digest and Poets and Writers are wonderful ways to discover ideas that can help fuel your creativity when your brain seems to be running on E, and you need some help getting those synapses firing on all cylinders. They include a ton of sparking ideas, from heartfelt to lighthearted. These prompts can help light the spark you need and get you back into the writing mood.
An Anecdote From a Friend or Stranger
They say to write what you know, and sometimes, the people closest to you have the best stories. Haven’t you ever heard someone tell an anecdote and thought, “You should write a book?” Well, why not write it yourself? The best ideas are those rooted in reality, so taking a plot handed to you with an established world and fleshed-out characters is the ideal starting point to develop a story. Think of it as a template — fill in the gaps and just play! Remember, we’re not trying to be polished yet; we’re just getting our writing engines going.
Your Unpopular Opinions
We all have them; make a list and see where it takes you. Hot takes are a conversation starter, so they’re sure to get the ball rolling as a writing prompt. If it’s something you’re passionate about, it’s bound to write itself. This is also a good topic to practice organizing your ideas as you shape your arguments and try to persuade your would-be reader. It could likewise be pure nonsense you throw at a page just as a warm-up exercise, not meant for anyone’s eyes but yours. All we’re looking for is that creative spark.
Grief
A universal feeling. It can start as a diary entry or a letter to yourself where you free-write and spill your emotions onto paper. In the process, you’ll find yourself looking for the right words to convey a message — that’s what writers do. They look for precise words to evoke something in the reader. Grief is an experience anyone can relate to in some way, meaning it’s a topic guaranteed to reach many. You might not be thinking about this in the brainstorming phase of your writing, but leaning into a subject that readers are likely to connect with is a great step forward in your project.
Find your next creative idea from these clever topics to help fuel that creative spark you’re missing. We writers aren’t always filled with the most imaginative thoughts; sometimes, we run low on the whimsy gas that makes our stories go. Other times, we just need a bit of a jumpstart or push to get us back on the road to creating. So, next time you’re feeling down and out and downright on empty, let these topics be your road map to fueling your creativity.
Now that you’re inspired, click here to learn about five ways in which creative writing can boost your wellbeing!
Polish your craft with our Book Recs on Becoming a Better Writer bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
