“Writing Prompt Exercise?” What? I’m glad you asked.
One activity that helps a lot of writers hone their craft is working with writing prompts, which are ideas, quotes, subjects, and whatnot designed to give writers ideas for stories, poems, novels, etc. See, writing is like any other skill; you have to work at it and practice it to keep it sharp and usable. And a daily writing exercise is good for that. There are other exercises, like journaling and freewriting, which also help.
Confession time
I am terrible at journaling. Not sure why, but I can’t seem to sit down and randomly write every day. Every once in a while…sure. Daily? Not so much. And do you want to know something?
That’s okay.
Writing prompt exercises, however? Yes, please! Toss me a subject, hand me a timer, a pen, and paper, and I will happily write every day. Mind you, journaling still happens…just not every day. Even freewriting happens occasionally. I have to admit, though, that I can’t always type up what comes out in freewriting sessions. It’s not because the subject matter is inappropriate, mind; it’s just usually because my handwriting has become so loopy and messy that even I can’t read it (this frustrated several college professors back at ole Ball State).
Brigitta, why are you posting raw pieces?
That’s right. As I said in my welcome post, the exercises I post will be raw and unedited. I will make no changes from the words I wrote long-hand in my notebook (except to fix any words I type out of order so you can at least read them). Why would I do that? Because I want to show y’all that what you write doesn’t have to be perfect the first time. Don’t let perfect get in the way of getting things done.
Purpose of the writing prompt exercise project
What purpose do these writing prompt exercises serve? Well, they serve three purposes. They:
- Keep me in the practice of writing.
- Help generate story ideas.
- Gives y’all some sneak peeks into what I might be working on next.
Not all of these exercises will end up in stories, poems, novellas, or novels. Some may be winners. Some may not. That’s how the writing life goes.
And, again, that’s okay.
Because, at the end of the day, these are, first and foremost, practice.
Got any ideas for writing prompts you would like to see me use in a writing prompt exercise? Drop them in the comments. I can always use new ideas. Also, if you want to support me, visit my Patreon or Buy me a Coffee.
That’s all for now. Stay fabulous, y’all!