Monday, September 19, 2011

Creative Writing Prompts with Free Association

What Word are You? by TerryJohnston
What Word are You?, a photo by TerryJohnston on Flickr.

For today's creative writing prompts, you will have a choice of words to work with that are generated by YOU. Below is a list of words, and I want you to write down the first word that comes to your head when you see the words. The rule of thumb on this one is not to think about it too much. Just write down the first word that comes to your head.

Then from your list, choose 5 to 7 words in one of the following:

1. A poem of 12 lines or less.
2. The first paragraph of a short story.
3. The first paragraph of an essay.
4. The first verse of a song.
5. A conversation between two characters.

Also, in the comments section, please feel free to list the words you come up with or a part of your writing.

Word List:

bamboo
tablecloth
magnet
lust
curler
paradise
heart
loss
rain
move
bus
alone
stamp
shade
glass
destroy
leap
Coca-Cola
key chain
truck
plop

Monday, September 12, 2011

Writing Prompts: Let There Be Peace on Earth

 
 
Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of 9-11, and where I attended worship, we ended with this song which moved me beyond belief.  
For today's writing prompts, I want our theme to be "peace."  Enjoy the video and the great quotes within.  

Then write a personal piece of writing about how you can add one little fragment of peace in your life today.  Could it be spending time in prayer or writing a special prayer for peace?  Could it be enjoying a moment outside?  Could it be writing a small stone that brings you peace?  Could it be just lighting a candle and remembering a loved one?  Would you like to write a song or poem about peace?  Write about what you would like to do to add peace to your life today, then find the time to do it.  




Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Writing Prompts with Willow Tree

Over the weekend, my youngest brother got married at the farm that belongs to him and his bride. As part of the ceremony, they planted a Corkscrew Willow on their land. I was quite touched. If you look at the branches closely, they twist together as they grow. What a wonderful symbol for a life of love togehter!

For today's writing prompts, please choose six of the words below to include in either a poem, a short story, essay or song. I have chosen words inspired by Luke and Christy's wedding.

twisted
ring
corkscrew
willow
branch
Celtic
fedora
rose
emerald
curl
promise
glow
love
firefly
life
radiance
fairy

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Creative Writing Prompts: Keys

 Keys, a photo by Svadilfari on Flickr.


Today, we will kick-off our writing prompts with a phrase,

"I want a key to. . . "

Please write for 5 minutes without stopping.

After that, your assignment will be to turn your free-write into a poem of 10 lines or less.

OR


Fiction Writing Prompt:
Write the first page of a story that has the word key as the first line. Here are some example lines you can use or you can make up your own:

1. She never dreamed that she would find the key to. . .
2. Jake was quite sure that the key he stole would open the door to that house on the hill they said was haunted. . .
3. She always dreamed of keys. . .

After you get your first page, you can certainly continue if you'd like.

Essay Prompt:
Write an essay of 500 words or less about keys or write about something prompted by a specific key from your life.