Writing Tip: 5 Ways Prompts Can Break Through Writer’s Block
Let’s talk about how helpful prompts can be!
Writer's block is something even the most seasoned writers will experience from time to time. The blank page can be intimidating, for sure. One effective tool I’ve often turned to is the good old fashioned writing prompt. I’ve even included Reedsy Prompts on my For Writers resource tab.
Here’s why I think they’re so great:
Igniting Imagination
I think of writer’s block as reduced access to my imagination. It isn’t the writing itself that’s got me stuck; it’s the fact that my mind doesn’t seem to be generating any workable ideas. Writing prompts serve as sparks that ignite my imagination, providing a starting point. Whether it's a single word, a phrase, or a scenario, prompts give me a workaround so my mind can begin considering new ideas and possibilities. A lot of times that’s all it takes to get everything flowing again.
Overcoming Perfectionism
I think most writers can identify with perfectionism from time to time, and the fear of not writing something perfectly (or exactly as we’d envisioned it in our heads) can be paralyzing. Writing prompts encourage a more relaxed and exploratory approach. Since prompts are designed to be open-ended, I can focus on the process rather than striving for perfection, freeing myself from the pressure to create a flawless piece. It really is about the process and not the outcome.
Diversifying Stories
I know for me, sticking to the same genre or theme can contribute to my writer's block. I typically write in the fantasy genre, which does give me lots of room to try new things (there are a million subgenres for fantasy), but sometimes it’s helpful to get completely out of that box. Writing prompts offer a diverse range of topics, forcing us to step out of our comfort zones. This exploration can lead us to all kinds of new places if we let it.
Breaking Routine
Routines are essential for many of us, and I’d even recommend them for lots of writers, but they can also become monotonous. For many neurodiverse people (I’m especially thinking of my fellow ADHD friends), routines can actually be a surefire way to cause writer’s block. Writing prompts disrupt the routine by introducing unpredictability. This change can be refreshing and stimulate the brain, making it easier to overcome the stagnation that often accompanies writer's block. Whether you’re neurodiverse or not, it can sometimes be a good thing to switch it up.
Building Writing Discipline
This is probably one of the biggest ways prompts have helped me. For a time, I was writing at least one short story per week, using Reedsy’s prompts as a launching pad. Consistency is key in overcoming writer's block, and writing prompts provide a structured way to build a writing routine. By committing to doing writing prompts regularly, we can develop discipline and create a habit of writing, making it easier to tackle more extensive projects.
BONUS REASON
Generating Seed Ideas
A single writing prompt can be the seed from which an entire story, article, or poem grows. By exploring a prompt, we can uncover hidden layers and expand our initial ideas into fully developed pieces. I can’t tell you how many times a writing prompt has ended up as the foundation of a scene in one of my books!
So basically, writing prompts are invaluable tools for us when we’re grappling with the frustration of writer's block. They offer a way to get creativity moving again, encourage exploration, and provide a structured approach to writing. Embrace the unpredictability, challenge yourself with diverse prompts, and most of all: have fun!
Happy writing!
References and Resources:
The Creative Penn has several great blog posts on breaking through writer’s block. Here’s one, but I recommend looking at all of their other wonderful resources for writers when you’ve got time.
Writer’s Digest has writing prompts, as well as loads of other great information.
Reedsy is my go-to for writing prompt challenges. They’ve got so many other resources, of course, but I have a lot of fun with their prompts.
